Howard, 23, spent his first three years at Kansas State as a part-time starter, splitting the job with Thompson and Adrian Martinez before winning the full-time spot in 2023. Howard started all 12 games that season and finished his Wildcats career with 5,786 passing yards, 48 touchdowns and 25 interceptions, along with 921 rushing yards and 19 more scores (and a TD catch) in 34 games (28 starts).
Kyle McCord, who was selected by the cross-state rival Eagles just four picks earlier in the sixth round, left Ohio State last offseason and the Buckeyes turned to Howard. All he did in his one season at OSU was lead the Buckeyes from the No. 5 seed all the way to a national title victory over Notre Dame — just about the only thing that could have atoned for the late-season loss to struggling Michigan. Howard threw for 4,010 yards, 35 TDs and 10 interceptions and ran for seven scores, also earning offensive MVP in the title game against the Irish.
The 6-foot-4, 236-pound Howard carries a strong combination of athleticism and an NFL-ready physique. He has become a more confident thrower, especially vertically, and has shown a willingness to go through progressions to make the proper read. Howard struggled with his passing consistency at times and had a wild throwing session at the NFL Scouting Combine, but his playoff performance raised the bar and showed his ability to step up against the toughest competition.
Howard is a fascinating developmental prospect with most of the tools you’re seeking at quarterback, and he might even be prepared to start games as a rookie if needed following a 44-start college career and championship experience under his belt.
That’s if the Steelers don’t ultimately land Aaron Rodgers.
Joining NFL Network just moments ahead of Howard’s name being called, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin spoke on the Rodgers situation, saying the club has had “good conversations” with the 43-year-old.
“That’s certainly a possibility but, you know, I’m not gonna forecast the if’s and the when’s regarding not only him but any potential free agent,” Tomlin told NFL Network’s Rich Eisen on Saturday. “Just rest assured we’ve had really productive talks with him and, personally, I’ve enjoyed having really productive talks with him and getting to know him.”
Pittsburgh has been widely speculated to be one of the few landing spots for Rodgers all offseason. Entering the 2025 NFL Draft, the Steelers were among a handful of teams thought to be a candidate to use a first-round pick on a signal-caller but the club used that No. 21 overall pick on Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon.
“We feel good about our plan at the position,” Tomlin added before the Howard selection. “Certainly, it has yet to be revealed at this point and I understand the angst not only in your community but the community that supports us. We’re excited about what potentially awaits us there, but really I have nothing to add other than that.”
