Will Howard NFL Draft 2025 Scouting Report for Pittsburgh Steelers QB

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Ohio State QB Will Howard with the No. 185 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

Will Howard is a physically talented quarterback with dual-threat playmaking abilities.

Howard is a plus-level athlete with good size and stature. He has the athleticism for designed quarterback runs. In the low red zone, Howard's rushing ability forces defenses to play them honestly and factor him into their run defense. He navigates the pocket fairly well, sliding from pressure, and will break the pocket if defensive pressure flushes him out. Howard's big frame increases effectiveness near the goal; he will lower his shoulder to force his way into the end zone.

Will Howard Highlights

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Regarding the passing game, Howard operates well within the short and intermediate parts of the field. He flashes good velocity from zero to 15 yards down the field. Designed and isolated quick-passing concepts work well for Howard as they provide easy ways to attack the defense and get into a rhythm. He attacks the seam routes well, throwing with the right amount of velocity and touch based on the defensive coverage. Howard throws down the field with good touch and ball placement, landing over the receiver's shoulders.

Howard's lower body mechanics in the pocket are inconsistent, resulting in off-target passes. His footwork gets off schedule, and he is skittish in the pocket. After hitting the top of the drop, when he attempts to climb or hitch forward in the pocket, Howard can be heel-clicky. This results in a decrease in accuracy. Howard must find stability and consistency with his base inside the pocket to enhance his accuracy and ball placement.

He must refrain from putting the football in harm's way. Howard tends to lock onto his initial read or pre-determine his read based on the pre-snap defensive alignment. This creates vulnerability when the defense changes its pre-snap look post-snap. Howard tests windows with a gunslinger mentality, trusting his arm more than he should. He had multiple dropped interceptions this season alone. Howard does not utilize eye manipulation on a consistent basis to hold second and third level defenders. This can open up more space inside throwing lanes but keeping defenders from entering the picture.

Overall, Will Howard has the tools and abilities teams look for in a developmental prospect. He offers an NFL skill set but projects as a backup behind a veteran. Howard's flashes of passing upside, along with his rushing ability, will be enticing to an NFL franchise later in the draft.

MEASUREMENT AND WORKOUT RESULTS

HEIGHT: 6'4"

WEIGHT: 237

HAND: 9"

ARM: 32"

WINGSPAN: 77 ⅛"

3-CONE: 7.13

SHUTTLE: 4.33

VERTICAL: 31.5

BROAD: 9'4

POSITIVES

— Plus-level athleticism and mobility capable of making plays on the move.

— Possesses the arm talent to push the ball down the field and into tight windows in the short to intermediate field areas.

— Strong sense to beat the blitz with anticipation and accuracy.

— Good understanding of when to throw with velocity and touch, layers his throws well.

NEGATIVES

— Limiting putting the football in harm's way and turnover-worthy plays.

— Lower body mechanics lack consistency on dropbacks, can get heel-clicky when climbing the pocket.

—Needs to improve on holding and manipulating defenders with his eyes before throws.

— None of his tools, physical or mental, are on an elite tier.

NOTES

— Born Sept. 24, 2001

— 3-star recruit in 2020 class, per 247Sports

— 2024: Third-team All-Big Ten; National Champion; Offensive MVP of National Championship Game

— 2023: Second-team All-Big 12; Honorable Mention Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year

GRADE: 7.4 (High-Level Backup/Potential Starter— Third Round)

OVERALL RANK: 74

POSITION RANK: QB5

PRO COMPARISON: Mason Rudolph

Written by B/R NFL Scout Dame Parson