In what may go down as one of the most surprising twists of the 2025 NFL Draft, NFL Network’s James Palmer has labeled the Pittsburgh Steelers’ selection of quarterback Will Howard as the “steal of the year.” The declaration has sparked immediate debate across the football world, with analysts now scrambling to reassess their evaluations of the former Kansas State and Ohio State signal-caller.
Will Howard wasn’t projected to go in the early rounds of the draft by many experts. While he had a strong finish to his college career, transferring from Kansas State to Ohio State and showing marked improvement in mechanics and decision-making, he remained under the radar due to a crowded QB class headlined by bigger names. But the Steelers clearly saw something others didn’t—and James Palmer agrees.
“This could be the kind of move we talk about for years,” Palmer said during his live reaction on draft night. “Howard has the size, the arm, and the leadership you want in an NFL quarterback. If he develops the way I think he can in Pittsburgh’s system, this may end up being the steal of the year—maybe even the decade.”
Howard, standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 240 pounds, possesses prototypical NFL size and showed flashes of brilliance throughout his college career. He threw for over 3,000 yards in his final season and demonstrated improved poise in the pocket, along with the ability to make throws on the move. While scouts noted some inconsistency under pressure and room for growth in reading complex defenses, many now believe those concerns are coachable—especially under Pittsburgh’s developing offensive infrastructure.
The Steelers’ quarterback room had been a subject of speculation all offseason. With former first-rounder Kenny Pickett now traded and veteran depth lacking, many expected Pittsburgh to go after a quarterback in free agency or target a high-profile name early in the draft. Instead, they waited—and pounced—on Howard at a value many are now calling “absurd.”
Fans reacted to the news with a mix of excitement and cautious optimism. Social media buzzed as clips of Howard’s college highlights began circulating again, showing his cannon arm, ability to stretch the field, and fearless play style.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin weighed in shortly after the pick: “We saw a guy who fits our culture. Will is tough, competitive, and ready to work. He’s got a chip on his shoulder, and that’s the kind of quarterback who thrives in Pittsburgh.”
Howard himself was visibly emotional after getting the call. “I’m beyond grateful,” he told reporters. “I’ve always believed I belonged in the NFL, and now I get to prove it. I can’t wait to get to work in Pittsburgh.”
If Howard lives up to his potential, the Steelers may have executed one of the most lopsided wins in recent draft memory. The franchise has a history of turning undervalued players into stars, and the early signs point to a strong organizational belief in Howard’s upside.
Only time will tell if James Palmer’s bold claim holds up. But if Howard becomes even half of what Palmer envisions, this “steal” could turn into a franchise-altering move—one that reshapes not only the Steelers’ future but the entire quarterback narrative of this draft class.
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