Former NFL head coach Jon Gruden isn't holding back his thoughts on Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Will Howard. Immediately after the 2025 NFL Draft, Gruden doubled down on his glowing evaluation of the former Ohio State signal-caller—whom he interviewed and studied in depth during his post-draft “Gruden Camp” series earlier in the drafting process.
Gruden came away from that experience not just impressed, but genuinely excited about Mike Tomlin’s latest quarterback project. He later doubled down on Howard's potential.
“I’ll go on record and say the Pittsburgh Steelers got a steal in Will Howard,” Gruden said with conviction. “That guy is a stud!” And honestly, I agree with him.
With Howard, Gruden saw a big-bodied quarterback with a cannon arm. He also saw a moldable, NFL-caliber talent. Gruden even compared Howard to All-Pro quarterback Josh Allen. A bold but intriguing parallel.
“I compared him to Josh Allen,” Gruden said. “I wanted you to get a feel of how big this guy is. He has four touchdowns of over 70 yards.” That kind of explosiveness is rare.
Jon Gruden's endorsements make Will Howard a must develop QB for Pittsburgh Steelers
Of course, comparisons like that are projections, not guarantees. When someone with Gruden’s experience draws those lines, it’s hard not to get excited. Howard, who transferred from Kansas State to Ohio State to sharpen his game against tougher competition, carries himself with the poise and hunger that coaches love.
He’s smart and will not shy away from the big stage.
What I appreciate most is how the Steelers played this. Instead of reaching for a quarterback early, they let the draft unfold and snagged Howard without sacrificing premium capital. It was a calculated, patient move that could pay dividends in the coming years.
That is how good teams stay competitive.
Now, it is all about development. Howard has the physical tools and the mental mindset. The rest is up to the coaching staff—and Howard himself. We might realize this was not just a smart pick. It was a franchise-altering one.
Gruden sees it. I see it. Hopefully, fans will still be excited a few years from now—watching Will Howard prove us right.
