The first round of the 2025 NFL draft came and went on Thursday with two quarterbacks going in the first 32 selections, but, surprisingly, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders wasn't one of them.
Miami's Cam Ward went to the Tennessee Titans with the top pick, and the New York Giants traded back into the first round to take Ole Miss' Jaxson Dart at pick No. 25.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, who many believed would take Sanders at No. 21 overall, ended up going with Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon. Still, they need to address their quarterback room at some point, as they currently have Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson as their only two on the roster.
Pittsburgh is only slated to make one selection on Day 2, and NFL.com's Eric Edholm has them taking a quarterback in his newest mock draft. However, Edholm doesn't have the Steelers taking Sanders, he actually predicts they'll use their third-round selection (No. 83 overall) on Ohio State's Will Howard.
Howard, 23, was a three-star recruit at Downingtown West High School in Downingtown Pennsylvania, before committing to Kansas State during his senior year.
Howard appeared in 34 games for the Wildcats over four seasons, earning All-Big 12 honors once and completing 58.8% of his passes for 5,786 yards, 48 touchdowns and 25 interceptions. He also rushed for an additional 921 yards and nine scores.
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In 2024, Howard transferred to Ohio State and won the starting job. He completed 73% of his passes for 4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns and 10 interceptions and ran for another 226 yards and seven touchdowns. He also earned All-Big Ten honors and led the Buckeyes to a national championship.
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Pittsburgh desperately needs help at quarterback, and while they may end up signing four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, it's no guarantee at this moment. And, even if they do get Rodgers, taking Howard could still be beneficial, considering the veteran's age and instability. The rookie could sit and learn for a year or two and eventually take over.
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