Steelers 2025 Sixth Round Pick Thinks Mike McCarthy’s Offense Fits His Playing Style
The Steelers currently have four quarterbacks on their roster: Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard, and 2026 third-round pick Drew Allar. Rodgers is the starter, while the remaining three are competing for the coveted backup quarterback spot. Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy has been working closely with Howard and Allar this offseason. He has a proven history of success with developing quarterbacks.
Howard has already gained an appreciation for McCarthy’s coaching style. He believes that his skill set is a great match for McCarthy’s offense. The 24-year-old spoke with 93.7 The Fan Thursday after practice. He explained, “Getting here last year was a little different, but it was still very detail-oriented; but Mike is, you know, even more. He is to the step. He has names for every step in the drop. Like, it’s super detailed, and I just think it fits my play style. It really enhances my ability to play from the pocket, you know, better.”
The former Buckeye is already familiar with detailed quarterback coaching from his time at Ohio State. He said, “When I got to Ohio State, Coach Day harped on every little thing.” Day’s coaching style helped Howard lead the Buckeyes to victory over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the College Football Playoff National Championship. It also served as excellent preparation for the level of precision that’s essential for playing in the NFL.
Steelers Depot’s Jake Brockhoff observed, “If there’s anything we’ve learned about McCarthy so far, it’s that he really cares about the details. Down to the specific minute a practice ends, he has everything down to a science.” Brockhoff explained why details are important for Howard. He said, “He’s a quarterback who does well from the pocket. He can run but does well when he can sit in the pocket, read a defense, and layer the ball down the field.”
This year is crucial for Howard. The 24-year-old hasn’t played in an NFL game yet. He was showing promise during training camp last year until he suffered a hand injury. He missed the remainder of camp and the entire preseason.
Howard performed well at training camp on Thursday. According to various social media reports, he had several impressive throws. Christopher Carter shared on X, formerly Twitter, “One of Will Howard’s best throws of camp: He used a pump fake, stayed patient and hit Kaden Wetjen on a deep corner route for what would’ve been about a 30-yard touchdown during seven-on-seven work.” During two-minute drills, Howard completed two passes to Robert Tonyan and one to Brandon Smith. One of his other throws resulted in an interception, which is understandable as it’s normal for quarterbacks to throw some picks during training camp.
McCarthy’s detailed coaching style gives Howard a great foundation to build upon. It’s still very early in training camp, so the 24-year-old will get many more opportunities to showcase how McCarthy’s coaching methods have helped him improve. He should also get plenty of playing time in the preseason games. If Howard continues to perform well, he has the potential to become the Steelers’ backup quarterback this year.
