The Pittsburgh Steelers have added quarterback Will Howard from Ohio State in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, a move that could signal future plans for the team. Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger shared advice with the rookie, suggesting he should embrace the lack of pressure associated with being a sixth-round pick. Roethlisberger, who had a stellar rookie season leading the Steelers to a perfect record, indicated that Howard's development could parallel his own.

Currently, Mason Rudolph holds the starting QB position, but with the likes of seasoned quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins potentially in the picture, Howard might play a crucial role in the team's long-term strategy. The Steelers are known for their patience with young quarterbacks, and Howard's journey may just be beginning.

The Pittsburgh Steelers' decision-making during the 2025 NFL Draft has sparked conversations among fans and analysts alike, particularly regarding their choice to pass on Shedeur Sanders, the standout quarterback from Colorado. Despite speculation that the Steelers might target Sanders, it became clear that he was not a priority for the franchise as they opted instead for Will Howard from Ohio State in the sixth round. According to insider Gerry Dulac, the Steelers never intended to draft Sanders, indicating that even if he had been available in the later rounds, he was not viewed as a valuable asset.

Sanders' fall to the fifth round, where the Cleveland Browns selected him, raised eyebrows, especially since Pittsburgh was reportedly keen on quarterbacks like Jaxson Dart, whom they rated highly. Dulac emphasized that the Steelers had expressed little interest in Sanders, suggesting that their draft strategy did not align with the widespread predictions that placed him in their sights. With Sanders now in the AFC North, the Steelers may have to reckon with their decision as he continues to develop in a rival team's colors.

Bruce Arians, with a wealth of experience coaching elite quarterbacks, emphasizes a critical trait that distinguishes great signal-callers: resilience in the face of failure. Having worked with legends like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, Arians believes that how quarterbacks respond to adversity is pivotal to their success. He recounts moments with Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck that illustrated their ability to push through tough situations, highlighting that true greatness lies not just in physical attributes but in mental fortitude.

Arians notes that while many focus on metrics like height and arm strength, the real measure of a quarterback is their mindset during challenging times. Recent NFL draft pick Will Howard exemplified this, showing off his resilience in Ohio State's playoff run after a rocky finish to the season. Such qualities make these players not only skilled but also indispensable leaders on their teams.

Ben Roethlisberger, the iconic former quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has been weighing in on the team’s ongoing quest for a successor since his retirement. The Steelers recently re-signed Mason Rudolph and drafted Will Howard, while also considering the addition of future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers. Roethlisberger offered Howard advice on embracing his role without the expectations typically placed on a higher draft pick. He emphasized the importance of seizing the opportunity, mentioning how Howard thrived under pressure at Ohio State, especially during their national championship run.

Roethlisberger's words are particularly relevant as Howard, who spent a pivotal season at Ohio State, faced immense expectations that ultimately fueled his success. He believes that this experience will aid Howard in facing NFL challenges. The Steelers have been searching for a long-term solution at quarterback since Roethlisberger’s departure, and Howard's ability to manage pressure could prove crucial for the team's future.

Will Howard, the former Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback, was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers as the 185th pick in the sixth round, despite leading the Buckeyes to a national championship in just his first year. Analysts Matt Miller and Jordan Reid criticized the Steelers for their late selection, questioning the choice given the team's need for a more capable starting quarterback.

Miller raised concerns about Howard's arm strength, suggesting he may not be suited for a starting role in the NFL. Reid echoed these sentiments, pointing out that the Steelers had a significant gap at quarterback and could have used an earlier pick to secure a more promising prospect. If the team fails to acquire a veteran quarterback, such as Aaron Rodgers, their decision could haunt them, especially considering Howard's limited snap chance in the NFL.