Steelers' Will Howard’s Pre-Draft Process Took A Surprising Turn That Got NFL Scouts Talking: 'Jalen Hurts'

The Pittsburgh Steelers had many fans speculating before the 2025 NFL Draft that they may draft a quarterback. Well, the Steelers ended up drafting a quarterback, but not in the spot that many pundits believe will actually help the team in 2025. In the early stages of the draft, the Steelers passed on several top quarterback prospects, choosing instead to address other positions that were viewed as more immediate priorities.

Then, in the sixth round, the Steelers took a chance on Ohio State quarterback Will Howard. While Howard brings good size, mobility, and a decent arm, most analysts are hesitant to view him as a future starter. Being selected in the sixth round naturally comes with long odds, and while there is some excitement about his potential, few believe he’s the answer to the team’s long-term quarterback question. 

However, Bleacher Report NFL analyst James Palmer recently shared an interesting pre-draft comparison that gives Howard’s selection a bit more intrigue. According to Palmer, one evaluator compared Howard to Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. The comparison was based on physicality, leadership, and dual-threat ability. While Howard has a lot of development ahead of him, the idea that he shares some traits with a proven NFL star adds an unexpected layer of hope to what was initially seen as a low-risk pick.

"Will Howard has some traits that some people really, really liked in this draft," Palmer said. "I'll be honest, big, strong, athletic guy. There was one comment that I thought was interesting. Somebody compared him, when I was talking in the draft process, to Jalen Hurts. Just kind of in terms of the physicality and the size he can run with. I think Hurts is a better athlete out in space, but I just thought that was interesting that somebody brought that up."

Howard may be a sixth-round pick, but he doesn’t carry himself like one. He’s a mature, physical quarterback with clear leadership traits and a willingness to compete. While the odds are long for any late-round quarterback, Howard has the kind of intangibles that make people take notice. That alone gives Steelers fans something to keep an eye on as training camp approaches.

Most teams don’t expect much from a sixth-round rookie, but Howard already feels different. There’s a quiet confidence in how he approaches the game, and the pre-draft buzz around him suggests some evaluators saw more than just depth potential. If he can build on that foundation and develop under the Steelers’ staff, Howard may eventually push for more than just a backup role. At the very least, he’s a name worth remembering.

Steelers May Have Found A Sleeper In Will Howard

The Hurts comparison shared by Palmer is a cool and unexpected twist in Howard’s story. Hurts led the Eagles to a Super Bowl in the 2024 season and became one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers. If Howard can ever tap into that kind of potential, he could bring serious excitement to Steeler Nation. It’s a lofty comparison, but one that gives the pick a bit more weight than the average sixth-round flyer.

The Steelers don’t plan to lean on Howard anytime soon, but if he ever gets his shot, he seems confident enough to make the most of it. That could be especially important given the current uncertainty at quarterback. While all signs point to the Steelers eventually landing Aaron Rodgers for the 2025 season, his delayed decision is making fans anxious. Until then, the team’s quarterback room includes Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, and the rookie Howard.

Whether Rodgers arrives or not will dramatically shape the Steelers’ expectations for the season ahead. If he signs, Pittsburgh could have a veteran capable of leading a playoff push. If he doesn’t, Rudolph would likely start, and Howard would move up the depth chart sooner than expected. Either way, the Steelers’ slight gamble on Howard is suddenly one of the most intriguing storylines heading into the summer.