The Senior Bowl has wrapped up, and as always, it was a goldmine for NFL insiders, scouts, and analysts looking for the latest buzz around the league. Reporters from every corner of the NFL landscape gathered in Mobile, Alabama, to soak in all the details, and now the whispers and rumors are starting to take shape.
One team that had a lot of eyes on them during the event? The Pittsburgh Steelers. Fans and analysts alike are trying to piece together the team's next move, especially when it comes to the quarterback position. With the 2025 NFL Draft set to take place in Green Bay, speculation is running high about whether Pittsburgh will take a chance on a signal-caller this year.
Nick Farabaugh, an insider covering the Steelers for Penn Live, provided some insights into what Pittsburgh might be thinking. According to him, the team doesn’t seem all that impressed with the 2025 quarterback class. “I talked to enough people down there. They do not seem to be super interested in that [2025 quarterback class] crop,” Farabaugh revealed. That statement alone might raise eyebrows among fans hoping the Steelers would grab a potential franchise quarterback in April.
Adding more fuel to the speculation, Farabaugh noted that he never saw Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin or any of the team's scouts actively watching quarterbacks at the Senior Bowl. That’s a pretty telling sign, especially when compared to past years where Pittsburgh made it clear they were interested in certain prospects.
But just when it seemed like Pittsburgh might completely ignore quarterbacks in the draft, one name emerged from the chatter: Will Howard. The Ohio State quarterback has been generating some quiet buzz among those in the Steelers’ circle. “I’ve heard some buzz around Will Howard. That’s the interesting name that, I think, is the midround target,” Farabaugh said. While he’s not a projected first-rounder, Howard is a name to keep an eye on as the draft process unfolds.
Steelers fans are still dealing with the fallout from the Kenny Pickett experiment. Just a few years ago, Pittsburgh made Pickett the 20th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, hoping he would be the franchise’s next great quarterback. Fast forward to 2024, and Pickett is no longer even in Pittsburgh—he’s now backing up Jalen Hurts on the NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles. That turn of events has left many in Steelers Nation questioning whether the team can successfully identify and develop a young quarterback.
With that recent history in mind, it’s understandable why Pittsburgh might be hesitant to reach for a quarterback early in the draft. This year’s quarterback class doesn’t have the same kind of star power as previous drafts, which could explain why the Steelers are approaching it with caution. That said, mid-round prospects like Will Howard could be a smart, low-risk investment—especially if Pittsburgh believes he has the potential to develop into something special.
A Look at the 2025 NFL Draft Landscape
The quarterback class in 2025 isn’t exactly stacked with can’t-miss prospects. Unlike recent years where generational talents like Trevor Lawrence and Caleb Williams dominated the conversation, this group lacks a true standout. While there are still a few intriguing names, the consensus among analysts is that teams looking for a franchise quarterback might have to dig a little deeper.
For the Steelers, the focus in this draft might not be solely on the quarterback position. Some early mock drafts suggest Pittsburgh could prioritize strengthening its offense in other areas, like the offensive line or wide receiver corps. In fact, a new two-round mock draft from ESPN has the Steelers going all-in on offense, addressing key needs that could help whoever is under center next season.
But let’s not completely rule out the possibility of Pittsburgh taking a shot on a quarterback, even if it’s in the middle rounds. If they do, Will Howard could be a name worth remembering. He might not be a household name just yet, but the fact that the Steelers are showing some interest means there’s something about his game that has caught their attention.
What’s Next for the Steelers?
As the draft process continues, Pittsburgh’s strategy will become clearer. The NFL Combine, Pro Days, and pre-draft visits will all provide more insight into which players the Steelers are seriously considering. If the team doesn’t make any big moves in free agency to address the quarterback position, that could be another sign that they’re willing to take a chance on a rookie in the later rounds.
One thing is for sure—this offseason is going to be crucial for Pittsburgh. The AFC North is more competitive than ever, with teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, and Cleveland Browns all making strong pushes for playoff contention. If the Steelers want to keep up, they’ll need to make the right moves in the draft and free agency.
While it’s still early in the process, the Will Howard buzz is something to keep in mind. He might not be the next Patrick Mahomes or Joe Burrow, but in the right system, with the right development, he could turn into a solid NFL quarterback. And for a team that’s still searching for stability at the position, that alone might be worth the gamble.
Stay tuned—things are just getting started, and the draft season always has a few surprises up its sleeve!
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