Former NFL GM Makes Bold Prediction About Former Ohio State Quarterback’s Future with the Steelers
The Steelers drafted quarterback Will Howard in the sixth round of this year’s NFL Draft. Howard played college football for Kansas State before transferring to Ohio State. He had a fantastic 2024 season with the Buckeyes. He had 4,010 passing yards. He threw 35 touchdowns to 10 interceptions. Howard led the team to a National Championship. The Buckeyes defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 34-23. Howard was named Offensive MVP of the Game. Throughout his collegiate football career, he amassed 9,994 passing yards with 85 passing touchdowns and 1,147 rushing yards with 26 rushing touchdowns.
Howard hopes to build a steady NFL career. He’s currently the number three Steelers quarterback, behind Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph. However, one former NFL general manager is convinced that Howard will not have a long wait to play. NFL analyst and former New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum recently appeared on ESPN’s “Get Up.” He predicted the Steelers' rookie quarterback. Tannenbaum said, “Will Howard will be starting for the Pittsburgh Steelers by December 1st. When you have a 42-year-old quarterback [Rodgers], no offseason program, an offensive line that should, in fairness, be better because Troy Fautanu is coming back. I think Will Howard has a meaningful chance to be the quarterback of the future, and Mike Tomlin will play the best players. By the time we get to December, watch what happens.”
Howard has already impressed the Steelers with his incredible work ethic. The day after the draft ended, he contacted Tom Arth, the team’s quarterback coach, to get some practice in immediately. Howard started working the Monday after the draft. Howard could end up playing sooner than expected if Rodgers or Rudolph gets injured. There’s also a chance that Rodgers and Rudolph won’t live up to the Steelers’ expectations, and head coach Mike Tomlin calls on Howard. However, he isn’t likely to get significant playing time during his rookie year. Many fans and analysts believe that being mentored by Rodgers and not playing this year would be beneficial for Howard because he wouldn’t be rushed and would learn from a talented veteran quarterback. It will be interesting to see how the Steelers fare this season and if Howard gets any game time.
