Ohio State's Will Howard displays 'relentless work ethic' immediately after being drafted by Steelers
Context:
The Pittsburgh Steelers, facing uncertainty with only two unproven quarterbacks on their roster, entered the NFL Draft considering various options, including selecting a quarterback or signing a free agent. In the sixth round, they selected Ohio State's Will Howard, who was eager to join the team, demonstrating his commitment by immediately requesting the playbook. Howard's impressive work ethic and performance during the College Football Playoff, where he led Ohio State to a national championship, suggest he could be a strong contender for the starting quarterback position. This possibility hinges on whether Aaron Rodgers joins the Steelers, as he visited the facility earlier in the offseason. Howard's selection is seen as a potential steal for the Steelers, highlighting his talent and determination to make an impact in the NFL.
Dive Deeper:
The Steelers started the draft with only two quarterbacks on their roster, both unproven, leading to uncertainty about their draft strategy and the possibility of signing a free agent.
Will Howard, a standout quarterback from Ohio State, was selected in the sixth round of the NFL Draft after expressing a strong desire to join the team, as evidenced by him pleading to be picked.
Upon being drafted, Howard immediately requested the Steelers' playbook, showcasing his relentless work ethic, which Steelers QB coach Tom Arth praised as a key reason for his selection.
Howard's exceptional play during the College Football Playoff, where he contributed significantly to Ohio State securing a national championship, demonstrated his capabilities as a top-tier quarterback.
There is a real chance that Howard could start as the Steelers' quarterback in Week 1, particularly if Aaron Rodgers does not join the team, as head coach Mike Tomlin is reportedly unimpressed with the current quarterbacks on the roster.
The selection of Will Howard is considered a potential steal for the Steelers, given his proven talent and determination to succeed in the NFL, attributes that were evident during his college career.
Hunter Cookston, the journalist covering the story, has a background in sports media and a lifelong passion for sports, currently pursuing a degree in Sports Communications/Management at Tennessee Wesleyan University.
The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the NFL Draft with only two quarterbacks on the roster, and neither of them are proven by any measure. As a result, the team went into the draft uncertain whether they would select a quarterback, leaving all options on the table, including the possibility of signing a free agent if the opportunity presented itself.
General Manager Omar Khan made the draft plan clear, but it still raised several questions about what the Steelers would do with their picks.
“We go to camp with four quarterbacks. Right now, we have two on the roster. All options are on the table for how we acquire those last two,” Adam Schefter posted.
Just when it seemed like the Steelers might exit the draft without selecting a quarterback, they picked Ohio State’s Will Howard in the sixth round. Howard was caught on camera pleading to be selected when their turn came, and Pittsburgh listened. The excitement surrounding Howard’s selection was palpable.
There’s a good chance that Howard could be the Week 1 starter—unless, of course, Aaron Rodgers joins the Steelers.
“Head coach Mike Tomlin ends up uninspired by both Rudolph and Thompson, which leads to Howard seizing the job after continuing the growth he showed as a passer at Ohio State,” Garrett Podell wrote. “That is unless Aaron Rodgers joins the team after visiting the facility earlier in the offseason.”
The Steelers have already seen Howard's work ethic in action. As soon as he was drafted, he asked for the playbook.
“We were going to give you the weekend off, but this relentless work ethic is exactly why we drafted you,” Steelers QB coach Tom Arth responded.
Howard is an exceptional player, and his talent was on full display throughout the College Football Playoff this past season, where he helped lead the Buckeyes to a national championship. The Steelers may have just landed the steal of the draft.