Steelers select Will Howard, QB, The Ohio State #185 overall

[Voice of Reason]

I don't take any of this seriously. That is the difference.

So insulting someone is OK if the person doing the insulting doesn't take it seriously. And if the person being insulted DOES take it seriously, THEY'RE the ones that have the problem.

Presumably you only apply this behavior behind the safety of the keyboard and not in real life, because if you did by now you'd be dead.

Here is a list of recent Steelers QBs I have been proven to be correct about:
Duck Hodges
Mason Rudolph
Mitch Trubisky
Kenny Pickett
Russell Wilson

So you knew beforehand that Mason was going to come in and save the season in '23?

And you still don't realize that you have yet to be "proven correct" about Kenny.

Other than that, you're a genius.

[Voice of Reason]

Ok. You clearly want to get into. So, let's get into it.

Some months back, I can not remember how long, you and others got into a dust-up on some thread or another. I posted in a non-quoted post that many posters were acting fragile/snowflakey/taking themselves too seriously. By far, not the first time I have done so, as I have long argued that we all (myself included) can fall into the trap of taking the internet just a bit too seriously.

If it was a quoted post, that was a mistake on my part. Regardless of that point, you took it incredibly seriously/personally and called me an "asshole" several times and claimed to be leaving here forever. I responded that you would be back in a handful of weeks, as this is was/is your pattern - get into an argument with someone over a perceived insult, call them names, and then conduct a self-imposed exile until whenever you see fit to return. Upon reflection, that post on my part was uncalled for. If you want to take breaks for whatever the reason, that is your decision and I shouldn't have given you crap over it.

Anyway, on your return, you are attempting to take my previous comments that you felt were directed too pointedly at you and lob them back my way. Again, due to my predilections for dangerous narcotics and vintage lace; I am unconcerned. I just felt we might want to recap it. Or at least that is what I think happened....could be wrong....I like to do the brown-brown and post.

While I am no saint and far from without my sins and transgressions, I typically do not care what insults are directed my way. Look the VAST majority if threads, I am rarely the first one insulted. What I do tend to get all prickly about is when someone totally mischaracterizes the point of a post. For instance, the inciting incident here was that someone, and I actually forget who, seemed (again, at least to me) claim that I was making an argument with moving goalposts. Which I did get (far too) pissy about, because it wasn't my argument but an attempt to discuss one that is real popular on the interwebs. In this case, I took myself and the discussion far too seriously - likely because I have been out of my sweet, sweet, coping mechanism.

Ok? Do you want to carry on with this thing? Again....once my latest shipment of premium gunpowder comes in, I'm good...you would think that the gunpowder would be easier to get than the coke and lingerie, but, nope, it is actually the most complicated.

This is a pretty long post for someone who doesn't take what is said on this board seriously.

[Born2Steel]

It's pretty simple. Don't get personal with your comments and things won't get personal.
(directed at nobody specifically, but everybody)

[oneforthetoe]

We know Howard is a long shot, but just for shits and giggles what would Howard have to show you so that you would pass on trading up for a QB next year? For me, first, he would have to show he can go someplace like Baltimore or Cincinati and win a game in a tough environment. That is probably the easier test. Howard pretty much showed he won't fade in the big games in college. Second, he would have to show that he can hang 30 on a decent defense and make it more than the exception. Whether Smith is the right offensive coordinator for the Steelers can certainly be debated, but he is competent in that role, and any QB with the talent to be great should at least be able to show that.

I think the Steelers are likely to move up still draft a qb, but if we did miraculously hit with Howard we sure would be sitting pretty for the 2026 draft.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

We know Howard is a long shot, but just for shits and giggles what would Howard have to show you so that you would pass on trading up for a QB next year? For me, first, he would have to show he can go someplace like Baltimore or Cincinati and win a game in a tough environment. That is probably the easier test. Howard pretty much showed he won't fade in the big games in college. Second, he would have to show that he can hang 30 on a decent defense and make it more than the exception. Whether Smith is the right offensive coordinator for the Steelers can certainly be debated, but he is competent in that role, and any QB with the talent to be great should at least be able to show that.

I think the Steelers are likely to move up still draft a qb, but if we did miraculously hit with Howard we sure would be sitting pretty for the 2026 draft.

Howard would need to start at least 12 games, win at least 10 of them and have a QB rating of greater than 100 and even then I still draft a QB.

Imagine moving up in the draft to get the best QB you can in the 2026 class and still having 6th round pick Will Howard with 3 more years on his contract after a rookie season that apparently went great. We just have to ask Washington about Rookie of the year Robert Griffin in the 1st round and Kirk Cousins drafted in the 4th round if they thought it was good to go all in on a QB after his rookie season.

[Mojouw]

That is a high bar. But is consistent with Wilson, Prescott - recent later round r9oie sensations.

As for drafting a QB high next year - absolutely. Look at Wentz and Hurts.

[Born2Steel]

This season 'could' end up looking a lot like KP's rookie year. That year Trubisky starts and gets pulled for the rookie. We could see Rudolph start this season and be pulled for the rookie. Is there any scenario where Thompson wins the job as week 1 QB1?


As of today, I would like to see Will Howard start week 1 and play all 17 weeks. Test his mettle, see how much of the playbook he can open up, injuries will happen and see how deals with that, just overall rookie to 1 year vet transcendence. Get a grade we can all live with this time.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

This season 'could' end up looking a lot like KP's rookie year. That year Trubisky starts and gets pulled for the rookie. We could see Rudolph start this season and be pulled for the rookie. Is there any scenario where Thompson wins the job as week 1 QB1?


As of today, I would like to see Will Howard start week 1 and play all 17 weeks. Test his mettle, see how much of the playbook he can open up, injuries will happen and see how deals with that, just overall rookie to 1 year vet transcendence. Get a grade we can all live with this time.

Honestly, a veteran starting is the best option. Even if he sucks.

This will not be the Big10 for a rookie like Howard, where his REC are running away from the Rutgers DB by 5-10 yards and he has huge windows to throw in. Or the disguised coverages are not what he was seeing from Illinois.

Standing on the sidelines and looking at what you think is Cover2, but turns out to possibly be Quarters coverage, or a Cover 3 and thinking pre snap where you are going with the ball, only to find out that the coverage changed and you were looking at the wrong thing.....is a learning experience from the sidelines, rather than throwing the INT in a game. Some fans scoff at "mental reps" only because they dont understand them or have never taken them on the sidelines or in a booth.

Let the rookie sit and learn a bit, but preseason will be valuable.

[Born2Steel]

Honestly, a veteran starting is the best option. Even if he sucks.

This will not be the Big10 for a rookie like Howard, where his REC are running away from the Rutgers DB by 5-10 yards and he has huge windows to throw in. Or the disguised coverages are not what he was seeing from Illinois.

Standing on the sidelines and looking at what you think is Cover2, but turns out to possibly be Quarters coverage, or a Cover 3 and thinking pre snap where you are going with the ball, only to find out that the coverage changed and you were looking at the wrong thing.....is a learning experience from the sidelines, rather than throwing the INT in a game. Some fans scoff at "mental reps" only because they dont understand them or have never taken them on the sidelines or in a booth.

Let the rookie sit and learn a bit, but preseason will be valuable.

You may be right with everything you said. But I already know what MR is capable of. And it's not consistently winning football. I don't know Skylar Thompson but I assume if he could do it he would already be doing it. Howard also played vs Michigan, PSU, Oregon x2, Tennessee, ND, Iowa, Indiana, and Texas. Obviously the NFL will be a step up in competition. It is for everybody. If you're saying you already know today who is going to be the best option to go with come September, give me something firmer/more concrete than level of college competition. Every rookie goes through those growing pains.

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I did say in my post, "as of today". And I'm not shooting down discussion with different opinions. I'm just saying the level of competition thing is a non starter for me. Howard played against the best college football has to offer last season. He QB'd KSU to a conference championship. In college, he delivered. He's already accomplished more than the rest of that QB room. IMO.

[ETL]

Even if Will Howard is who you are banking on to be the future QB for the Steelers - there is immense value in sitting for a year or two. Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Patrick Maholm and Jordan Love all did this and I believe it help them a lot to succeed later.

[Rotorhead]

Even if Will Howard is who you are banking on to be the future QB for the Steelers - there is immense value in sitting for a year or two. Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Patrick Maholm and Jordan Love all did this and I believe it help them a lot to succeed later.

All of the QBs you listed all sat behind good accomplished (in some cases HOF) QBs. Is MR going to have that same effect?

[Born2Steel]

Even if Will Howard is who you are banking on to be the future QB for the Steelers - there is immense value in sitting for a year or two. Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Patrick Maholm and Jordan Love all did this and I believe it help them a lot to succeed later.

I'm not banking on Howard to become anything yet. I'm saying I already know what Mason Rudolph is. Sitting and learning is definitely an approach. It's just not the only approach. Maybe Will Howard would be better off sitting out this entire season and coming in next TC as the heir apparent to the offense. Maybe nothing will help him and he's destined to be a career backup just like MR. I'm just saying as of today, I think he is the better option in the QB room now. I have been wrong about so many QBs so many times I'm too gun shy to pick a horse yet.

Having said all that, I do think what Will Howard was able to do in the playoffs points to a big time QB prospect from a big time program that led his team to a championship. I'm not sure why I keep reading the jump to the NFL is going to be too big and beyond him. I understand it's a jump for everybody, but why moreso for him than for QBs that came out just last year.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

You may be right with everything you said. But I already know what MR is capable of. And it's not consistently winning football. I don't know Skylar Thompson but I assume if he could do it he would already be doing it. Howard also played vs Michigan, PSU, Oregon x2, Tennessee, ND, Iowa, Indiana, and Texas. Obviously the NFL will be a step up in competition. It is for everybody. If you're saying you already know today who is going to be the best option to go with come September, give me something firmer/more concrete than level of college competition. Every rookie goes through those growing pains.

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I did say in my post, "as of today". And I'm not shooting down discussion with different opinions. I'm just saying the level of competition thing is a non starter for me. Howard played against the best college football has to offer last season. He QB'd KSU to a conference championship. In college, he delivered. He's already accomplished more than the rest of that QB room. IMO.

I hear you with regards to playing high level college competition, but all you have to do is watch College games and NFL games to see that the coverage is 90% better in the NFL. Take the 5 DB's on each of these teams that Howard faced (Michigan, Oregon, Penn St. Notre Dame) and maybe 6 get drafted, 3 will end up on NFL roster for more than 5 years and the other 14 will be working at UPS, Enterprise Rent a car or maybe a marketing job.

Howard went 19-33, 175 yards, 1TD, 2 INT AT HOME vs Michigan. Watch that game and tell me the kid is ready week 1 for the NFL. He could be Tom Brady, but I very much doubt it.

The reality of the NFL is that just about every pass rusher, CB, FS, was the best guy on his college team and maybe at least All Conference if not All American. I think that throwing rookies into the NFL because you think that game experience is the best experience is just wrong. Just about everybody needs to be introduced to higher level of competition in stages, or it can confuse, frustrate and undermine confidence when they experience failure and dont even know how they failed because it happened too fast.

I hear you that we know that Rudolph and Thompson are not the answer, but they at least have stood in vs NFL competition and been watching hours of NFL defensive film for a few years now to understand things. I think Howard and most rookies need that. But just because a guy was QB on a national championship team doesnt mean he is an NFL ready QB, IMO.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

All of the QBs you listed all sat behind good accomplished (in some cases HOF) QBs. Is MR going to have that same effect?

It really isnt that MR will impact a rookie like Howard with how good he is. Its that Howard can watch situations and see what happened and if MR did the right thing or not, or if Howard saw pre snap coverage that he thought he saw.

For instance, Howard can stand on the sideline with a headset and look at a defense pre snap and think they are playing Cover 2, Man....but when the ball is snapped he sees the coverage is not playing man and its actually match Quarters coverage or a variation of it. So he can then go back to the film that week and see what he missed and learn. Because if you read man and throw the ball into zone...its an INT.

I have done it where I see something as a coach on the sidelines and think we are in place to defend the play, but we dont. and then the booth spotter tells me the weakside DE is getting kicked out by a pulling lineman that I cant see and we just have to correct his angle/technique to close the gap. At the time the DE is just frustrated that he sees the RB, but doesnt get there to make the play. So we coach him up to "dent" against the puller or "spill" the run outside. Its a simplification, but sometimes its easier to learn from the sidelines or booth before you cost your team on the field.

[Born2Steel]

I hear you with regards to playing high level college competition, but all you have to do is watch College games and NFL games to see that the coverage is 90% better in the NFL. Take the 5 DB's on each of these teams that Howard faced (Michigan, Oregon, Penn St. Notre Dame) and maybe 6 get drafted, 3 will end up on NFL roster for more than 5 years and the other 14 will be working at UPS, Enterprise Rent a car or maybe a marketing job.

Howard went 19-33, 175 yards, 1TD, 2 INT AT HOME vs Michigan. Watch that game and tell me the kid is ready week 1 for the NFL. He could be Tom Brady, but I very much doubt it.

The reality of the NFL is that just about every pass rusher, CB, FS, was the best guy on his college team and maybe at least All Conference if not All American. I think that throwing rookies into the NFL because you think that game experience is the best experience is just wrong. Just about everybody needs to be introduced to higher level of competition in stages, or it can confuse, frustrate and undermine confidence when they experience failure and dont even know how they failed because it happened too fast.

I hear you that we know that Rudolph and Thompson are not the answer, but they at least have stood in vs NFL competition and been watching hours of NFL defensive film for a few years now to understand things. I think Howard and most rookies need that. But just because a guy was QB on a national championship team doesnt mean he is an NFL ready QB, IMO.

Again, is truth to what you say.

1. Will we be successful this season with Mason Rudolph as the QB?

2. I don't need to rewatch the OSU vs Mich game. It was a disaster, agreed. Did you watch anything after that game?

3. I don't know if Will Howard will be better than MR. Ben started pre-season 4th on the depth chart. It took injuries for him to get on the field. That wasn't the plan. Same with Brady. I'm not sure the QBs they replaced were ever considered NFL worthy again. Sometimes not the plan is much better than the plan.

4. The step up from college to NFL is the same for every rookie. It's insane how rookie CBs get picked on by veteran QBs. Remember how rookie P. Manning struggled?

5. Will Howard was drafted in the 6th round because he has flaws. From everything I've read, his flaws are primarily footwork. I've never read that he has trouble understanding the position or how to play it.

6. As of today, I'm more willing to let a rookie QB go out there and throw 30Ints and learn from making mistakes, if capable of learning, than to trust the rest of this QB room to do anything right, consistently. I don't see how we get better doing that.

[oneforthetoe]

That is a high bar. But is consistent with Wilson, Prescott - recent later round r9oie sensations.

As for drafting a QB high next year - absolutely. Look at Wentz and Hurts.

I think everyone that that we will be moving up and drafting a QB next year. I would point out though that there is a difference between simply drafting a quarterback number one following a year in which you drafted qb and having to give up the number of picks the Steelers will have to give up to move into position to draft a QB next year. Again, I am not arguing against doing it. Just noting that the Steelers will have to give up a lot to move up next year, which might make them hesitate a little if Howard would look like the guy.

[hawaiiansteeler]

DK's Daily Shot of Steelers: Go easy on Will Howard!

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Again, is truth to what you say.

1. Will we be successful this season with Mason Rudolph as the QB?

2. I don't need to rewatch the OSU vs Mich game. It was a disaster, agreed. Did you watch anything after that game?

3. I don't know if Will Howard will be better than MR. Ben started pre-season 4th on the depth chart. It took injuries for him to get on the field. That wasn't the plan. Same with Brady. I'm not sure the QBs they replaced were ever considered NFL worthy again. Sometimes not the plan is much better than the plan.

4. The step up from college to NFL is the same for every rookie. It's insane how rookie CBs get picked on by veteran QBs. Remember how rookie P. Manning struggled?

5. Will Howard was drafted in the 6th round because he has flaws. From everything I've read, his flaws are primarily footwork. I've never read that he has trouble understanding the position or how to play it.

6. As of today, I'm more willing to let a rookie QB go out there and throw 30Ints and learn from making mistakes, if capable of learning, than to trust the rest of this QB room to do anything right, consistently. I don't see how we get better doing that.

1. I think Rudolph can guide the Steelers to a top 5 draft pick. He isnt that good at all.

2. I watched games after that. Howard doesnt have intermediate arm strength to fit the ball into tight windows. College WR's running without a DB 3-5 yds around him, sure those throws are good.

3. Ben was a top pick. Size, Arm Strength, Athlete, Competitor. I had him as the #2 QB in that draft after Manning. Howard doesnt compare. Brady could spin it better than Howard does, won big games and competed with Brian Griese and Drew Henson at Michigan. He wasnt a scrub.

4. Yes, it actually did Eli Manning some good to be benched behind Kurt Warner in NYG after being pushed on the field early.

5. I dont think his footwork is that bad. I think its his arm strength and putting too much air under the ball with deep passes. Kind of has a Mac Jones velocity comparison to me, but a bit stronger I think. Mason Rudolph footwork was much worse coming out of College IMO.

6. at the end of the day it really doesnt matter if you are willing to roll a rookie out there at QB, or if I think its best for him to ease into things. The Steelers will do what they see is best and I'm good with that. My guess is they play the long game to start the season.

[Born2Steel]

Just looking at the QB room we currently have, I see no value in Howard sitting behind either of those other 2 guys. Neither is Kurt Warner. If Howard doesn't have the arm strength to make it as an NFL starter, let's find out right away. My opinion. I trust Arthur Smith and Tim Arth whichever way they decide to go. If they choose to let Howard sit and learn this season, I'm 100%on board. My opinion will change.

[Mojouw]

The optimism and excitement around Will Howard is really surprising to me. He must’ve had a helluva playoff run because in regular Big 10 play he was wildly unimpressive.

For me, I’m having a hard time finding a tangible reason why observers are so optimistic about Howard. All I see is that he has won and has a great attitude. Wonderful. How’s that going to help him get a ball out to the far sideline quicker?

AJ Mccarron won a boatload of college games as well.

But some team was excited to draft Graham Mertz while most Badgers fans were willing to drive him to the airport. So WTF do I know.

[Born2Steel]

The optimism and excitement around Will Howard is really surprising to me. He must’ve had a helluva playoff run because in regular Big 10 play he was wildly unimpressive.

For me, I’m having a hard time finding a tangible reason why observers are so optimistic about Howard. All I see is that he has won and has a great attitude. Wonderful. How’s that going to help him get a ball out to the far sideline quicker?

AJ Mccarron won a boatload of college games as well.

But some team was excited to draft Graham Mertz while most Badgers fans were willing to drive him to the airport. So WTF do I know.

I think you are confusing optimism and excitement with who's the better QB currently in the room. Everything I have seen from Howard over the past 8-9 months tells me he's the better QB in the room. If we're not planning to go with the better QB in the room, tell me why not.

[Shoes]

The optimism and excitement around Will Howard is really surprising to me. He must’ve had a helluva playoff run because in regular Big 10 play he was wildly unimpressive.

For me, I’m having a hard time finding a tangible reason why observers are so optimistic about Howard. All I see is that he has won and has a great attitude. Wonderful. How’s that going to help him get a ball out to the far sideline quicker?

AJ Mccarron won a boatload of college games as well.

But some team was excited to draft Graham Mertz while most Badgers fans were willing to drive him to the airport. So WTF do I know.

Get a headset and a YouTube channel, and you’ll be an expert.

[Mojouw]

I think you are confusing optimism and excitement with who's the better QB currently in the room. Everything I have seen from Howard over the past 8-9 months tells me he's the better QB in the room. If we're not planning to go with the better QB in the room, tell me why not.

I was not referencing you specifically. I get what you are saying and I have no real desire to watch Mason Rudolph play QB ever again.

But I also do not think that Will Howard will be a successful starter in the NFL. Many Steelers sites, message boards, AI generated click bait content farms, and supposedly knowledgeable NFL commentators are all talking excitedly and expectantly about Howard in the NFL. Based on the limited action I saw of him in Big 10 play, I do not understand what there is to be excited about.

I was/am asking anyone here that is moderately enthused about Howard to help me see what there is to be optimistic about other than he stacked a number of wins at OSU.

[Born2Steel]

I was not referencing you specifically. I get what you are saying and I have no real desire to watch Mason Rudolph play QB ever again.

But I also do not think that Will Howard will be a successful starter in the NFL. Many Steelers sites, message boards, AI generated click bait content farms, and supposedly knowledgeable NFL commentators are all talking excitedly and expectantly about Howard in the NFL. Based on the limited action I saw of him in Big 10 play, I do not understand what there is to be excited about.

I was/am asking anyone here that is moderately enthused about Howard to help me see what there is to be optimistic about other than he stacked a number of wins at OSU.

Gotcha. On that front, he not only stacked a bunch of wins at OSU, he also stacked those wins vs the best college football has to offer. Means nothing for NFL success but is a reason people could be excited. Howard also QB'd KSU to a conference championship. That KSU team was not full of NFL talent like what was at OSU, but they won their conference championship. 5 seasons and 2 championships is not a bad college resume. It's actually a resume that is easy for people to get excited about. I think it is anyway.

I don't know what to expect from Howard in the NFL. I do think he is the best QB currently on the Steelers roster. And he hasn't even played yet. So maybe I'm over-hyping expectations a bit as well.

[Mojouw]

Gotcha. On that front, he not only stacked a bunch of wins at OSU, he also stacked those wins vs the best college football has to offer. Means nothing for NFL success but is a reason people could be excited. Howard also QB'd KSU to a conference championship. That KSU team was not full of NFL talent like what was at OSU, but they won their conference championship. 5 seasons and 2 championships is not a bad college resume. It's actually a resume that is easy for people to get excited about. I think it is anyway.

I don't know what to expect from Howard in the NFL. I do think he is the best QB currently on the Steelers roster. And he hasn't even played yet. So maybe I'm over-hyping expectations a bit as well.

I think that playoff run with OSU looms large for a bunch of people.

But...this is the same guy that got benched multiple times at KSU. And from what I can gather from Google, the guy that KSU chose over Howard is no great shakes. But it also seems NIL cash was involved....so it isn't clear.

I would rather watch the hope of Howard over the mediocre reality of Rudolph. But we shall see...

[Born2Steel]

He wasn't exactly benched according to this. But whatever the actual case, he definitely made the right call in transferring.

https://www.bringonthecats.com/kansa...via-the-portal

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Random thought.

Maybe start Will with the knowledge and expectation that if and when the defense figures him out each week he will come to the sidelines and MR will go in at that point. I know 'when you have 2 QBs you don't really have 1'. Maybe instead when you don't have 1 QB, 2 might make 1. Lol

[hawaiiansteeler]

Paul Zeise Live: Hype for Steelers' Will Howard, Ben Roethlisberger comparisons going a bit too far?

[ETL]

If we want to tank this year - Start Will Howard. (Look at Peyton manning in year 1)

unfortunately the irony is that if will Howard plays a lot - we will probably have a bad record and draft very high to draft the qb that is going to play in front of Howard.

[hawaiiansteeler]

If we want to tank this year - Start Will Howard. (Look at Peyton manning in year 1)

unfortunately the irony is that if will Howard plays a lot - we will probably have a bad record and draft very high to draft the qb that is going to play in front of Howard.

We never tank, it's simply not the Steelers way of doing things.

We always play to win, and I respect that.

[ETL]

We never tank, it's simply not the Steelers way of doing things.

We always play to win, and I respect that.

agree. That is why Will Howard will not start this year unless injuries and injuries force the issue.