2025 NFL Draft Results: Steelers select QB Will Howard with 6th round pick

Entering the 2025 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers had a number of draft needs that they needed to address. The Steelers don’t possess a full allotment of draft picks after trading for DK Metcalf, and there were several positions which would be considered a glaring need on their roster.

With six total picks, the following positions could be viewed as a priority entering the selection process: quarterback, wide receiver, cornerback, and even safety. Those positions, and more, were positions of need to help the black-and-gold get to the next level in 2025. There have been numerous thoughts and debates regarding what the team will do in Round 3 of the NFL Draft.

When the dust settled, the Steelers selected QB Will Howard out of Ohio State with their 6th Round pick in the draft.

With pick No. 185 in the sixth round, the #Steelers will take Ohio State QB Will Howard.

He had an incredible run in the College Football Playoff, playing the best ball of his career. Great size at 6-4, 236. https://t.co/TEPFtBn88a

— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) April 26, 2025

For more about this selection, here is a breakdown of the player, courtesy of NFL.com:

Overview

Howard brings outstanding size and toughness to the table. He showed good improvement over the last three seasons. He is more a vessel of the play-caller than a playmaking talent, though. He typically reads half the field and makes reasonable decisions with the football, using good mechanics and consistent accuracy. He doesn’t hold defenders at bay with his eyes and lacks the arm strength to beat tight man coverage on second- and third-level throws. He showed good poise in 2024 to beat the blitz through the air and has always been able to escape pressure by making plays with his legs. Howard is big, tough and accurate but benefited from superior talent at the skill positions at Ohio State. Unless he proves he can play chess against NFL defenses, he might not have enough in the tool box to become more than an average backup.

Strengths

• Outstanding size and toughness inside and outside the pocket.
• Elevated his consistency and performance in the postseason.
• Can work off-platform with relative ease and efficiency.
• Throws from a grounded base with good mechanics and repeatable delivery.
• Delivers the ball with consistent accuracy to the frame.
• Able to buy time for routes to develop when pressured.
• Has poise, accuracy and touch to beat a blitzing defense.
• Uses legs on zone-read and for short-yardage carries.

Weaknesses

• Very gradual in his setup and release on three-step drops and RPOs.
• Can be mechanical and predictable from the pocket.
• Will struggle to beat NFL corners when throwing outside the numbers or into tight windows.
• Not enough eye manipulation to keep defenders guessing.
• Content with half-field reads instead of getting through his progressions.
• Had some contested throws bailed out by receivers’ ball skills.

What are your thoughts on the selection? Let us know in the comment section below, and be sure to stay glued to SCN for the latest Steelers news and notes throughout the 2025 NFL Draft. Be sure to check out the BREAKING NEWS podcast in the player below, when it is available: