Ben Roethlisberger analyzed on his podcast Footbahlin the impact that Will Howard will have with the Pittsburgh Steelers while the team waits for Aaron Rodgers. Big Ben stated that the big advantage for the rookie is that there are no expectations since he was a sixth-round pick.
“I do like this pick. I don’t think he’s going to be Day 1 starter. I think it’s going to be Mason (Rudolph) unless Aaron (Rodgers) comes in. Part of me is like, it would be probably good for Will if Rodgers came because he could sit behind a guy that is a Hall of Famer and learn. Would Aaron be willing to help? I don’t know. Will needs to understand, and I would tell him this: you don’t have pressure. He should go into this like, I can play free. I have no pressure.”
In building a roster that can compete for the Super Bowl, general manager Omar Khan promised they would draft a quarterback, and they did, but with a long-term projection and without the responsibility of being an immediate starter.
Did Steelers get a new quarterback?
Yes. The Steelers got a new quarterback in Will Howard in the sixth round of the 2025 Draft. In this context, Ben Roethlisberger pointed out that sometimes teams have found hidden gems, like Tom Brady with the Patriots.
“I don’t think he has to be a Day one guy. You draft him in the sixth round, it’s kind of like: ok, whatever. If he works, great. If he doesn’t, he’s a sixth rounder. There’s been some pretty good ones that have come late rounds: Tom Brady. No. I’m not trying to say Will Howard is Tom Brady, but, I like this pick. I like what he’s going to bring.”
see also
NFL News: Mike Tomlin confirms why Steelers didn’t choose Shedeur Sanders in first round of 2025 Draft
