Will Howard??

[swissvale72]

I keep asking you more knowledgeable asshats. What about him?

[TimmayLake]

I don't see how he's much different from Mason Rudolph, other than he played on a team with 12 NFL draft picks.

[Gonzo]

I see very little chance of him being the Answer

[Deebo]

I keep asking you more knowledgeable asshats. What about him?

Frankly the new HC is going to have a lot of say in terms of whether we see him or not. If we get an offensive guru, maybe it'll be apparent quickly whether he believes Howard has the chops or not.

If Will Howard became the next Mason Rudolph (an ok QB2) that's a win for the franchise

[Steeldrama]

I’d let him battle it out with Rudolph in camp with the loser being named starter in hopes of landing a top 5 pick in the 2027 draft

Deuce doesn’t believe in a rebuild so I’m looking for a FA QB to be added to kick off the next generation of NHALS

[Greeksteel]

I’d let him battle it out with Rudolph in camp with the loser being named starter in hopes of landing a top 5 pick in the 2027 draft

Deuce doesn’t believe in a rebuild so I’m looking for a FA QB to be added to kick off the next generation of NHALS

Malik Willis

[.Kodiak]

Deuce doesn’t believe in a rebuild so I’m looking for a FA QB to be added to kick off the next generation of NHALS

It will be so refreshing to have a HC willing to take risks and lose games to reach the highest possible ceiling. And I don't mean tanking for draft picks, I mean developing players and schemes that can actually compete in the playoffs.

I'm good with building a team and then, when all the pieces are about in place, making your move for the right QB. I have no interest in being the Browns wandering the wilderness for 30 years trying to find a QB at the absolute expense of fielding a watchable product.

[steelclan]

Might have to, I don't like any of the prospects in this draft. Indiana Kid is alright, but not worth trading the kitchen sink for.

If Howard sucks and Steelers have a Browns season, sobeit. Rather that, than getting obliterated in the first round of the playoffs after another rinse repeat season.

[Gonzo]

I’d let him battle it out with Rudolph in camp with the loser being named starter in hopes of landing a top 5 pick in the 2027 draft

Deuce doesn’t believe in a rebuild so I’m looking for a FA QB to be added to kick off the next generation of NHALS

Malik Willis

please, No

[Stillerz Bar]

I can't understand how it's not worth at least trying him.

- We know what Rudolph is - a serviceable backup QB who's record with an NHALS philosophy is around. 500 and without it is slightly below that.

- We have little shot at a franchise QB with where we are drafting.

- An aging vet likely gives us about the same as Rudolph - slightly above or below .500

- Someone like Malik Willis might get us as high as 10 or 11 wins with a good coaching staff - maybe. But do any of us think he'd lead a team on.a deep playoff run? I sure don't.

IMHO there's little chance of a Pats / Bears style turnaround with what t h e Steelers have or could get on their roster for next season so what not at least see what you have so you know how best to proceed after next season.

[CoolShades]

I’d let him battle it out with Rudolph in camp with the loser being named starter in hopes of landing a top 5 pick in the 2027 draft

Deuce doesn’t believe in a rebuild so I’m looking for a FA QB to be added to kick off the next generation of NHALS

Malik Willis

please, No

Please no, x 2

[Stlcrtn1974]

Malik Willis

please, No

Please no, x 2

It will 100% guarantee a top 3 pick in 27, so if tanking is what they want for next year, let's do it.

[lifelongsteel]

Never underestimate the wonders that a great OC / QB coach can do with a physically gifted QB.

- Baker washed until he got coached up from McVay and then Cohen
- Darnold washed until he got to Kubiak / O'Connell
- Lawrence struggling until he got Cohen

Let's take a look at Willis. He was generally seen as a top 5 type talent in regards to physical ability. Arm strength. Mobility. etc. He was drafted by Tennessee and really struggled when thrown in to relief. He goes to GB and starts to look the part in limited opportunities with great coaching.

Whether you like it or not, the Steelers will either a) acquire a vet with a "chance" of becoming a franchise guy or b) draft a player in the first few rounds. They aren't going to go with Howard and Rudolph as their top 2 options. Even if you argue that they should tank, at least tank with a player who has an outside chance of being legit. Note: the worst case would be signing a Jimmy G type. A been there done that guy who could definitely keep NHALS going with the requisite upside or downside.

Assuming they hire the right offensive coaching, you let those coaches pick a high ceiling low floor guy to compete with Howard. a Justin Fields type who isn't Justin Fields. See what they can get out of him.

To my eyes right now Willis is the most likely of those guys.

[franco32]

It would have been nice to see Howard get a snap, but alas, he didn't. IMO, his arm lacks zip and that will limit him in this league unless he somehow develops Purdy-like vision and anticipation. It's a long shot.

That said...we have 12 picks this draft. I would take a flyer on a QB. Here's the list post-Mendoza. If Mateer could read defenses, I'd take a chance on him, but unfortunately, it doesn't look that way. Beck sucks. Allar sucks. Chambliss is small. Can Nussmeier get his act together? Even so, he's small. Pavia is tiny. Taylen sucked whenever I watched him.

Ty Simpson (Alabama)
Carson Beck (Miami)
John Mateer (Oklahoma)
Drew Allar (Penn State)
Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss)
Cade Klubnik (Clemson)
Garrett Nussmeier (LSU)
Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt)
Taylen Green (Arkansas)

[StillerInCT]

You're not gonna like my answer, Swiss but I'd kick the tires on him and see what we have next season. Best case he's great, worst case we get ourselves into the top 10 and take one of the better college QBs. I see no downside in trying.

[.Kodiak]

You're not gonna like my answer, Swiss but I'd kick the tires on him and see what we have next season. Best case he's great, worst case we get ourselves into the top 10 and take one of the better college QBs. I see no downside in trying.

Heck, let's find out if Howard can at least be a better backup than Mason.

[swissvale72]

And this was one of Art II's more definitive answers, but are we that Aaron is NOT coming back. Personally, I'd like to see another year out of him.

[StillerInCT]

You're not gonna like my answer, Swiss but I'd kick the tires on him and see what we have next season. Best case he's great, worst case we get ourselves into the top 10 and take one of the better college QBs. I see no downside in trying.

Heck, let's find out if Howard can at least be a better backup than Mason.

Yup. No downside in my eyes.

[StillerInCT]

And this was one of Art II's more definitive answers, but are we that Aaron is NOT coming back. Personally, I'd like to see another year out of him.

I feel like he'd be bitching and moaning. Everything he's said after Monday has seemed like he was a Tomlin loyalist. I'd much rather go with your initial idea of Howard.

[Dan Smith--BYU]

"You're not gonna like my answer, Swiss but I'd kick the tires on him and see what we have next season. Best case he's great, worst case we get ourselves into the top 10 and take one of the better college QBs. I see no downside in trying."

One year isn't enough time for a young QB. Elway, Manning, Aikman and even more recent future All Pro QBs routinely struggle their first year. Ben and Daniels are the exception.

I will not be too critical of Howard if he starts next year as long as the skills are evident.

I am far less concerned about Next Years record than I am about sacks for/sacks against and other metrics of improved line play.

[Steelafan77]

Makes good business sense to hold competition and as most here say, see what Howard has.

Doesn’t mean we should stick it out with a known weakness tanking for a better draft selection either.

It’s almost a certainty there will be another F/A QB brought in. Gotta have at least 3 QB’s in season.

Also, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t draft a QB in say, a day 2/3 scenario and continue adding through the draft.

I like the idea of drafting a guy perhaps later RND’s like they did with Howard. IMO, it’s a good strategy.

The number of picks in this draft especially makes more sense for them to draft an identified late round talent looking to add depth.

Not just at QB but any position really. The Howie Roseman approach works and we have a guy in Weidl that understands this.

[anpsteel]

I’d let him battle it out with Rudolph in camp with the loser being named starter in hopes of landing a top 5 pick in the 2027 draft

Deuce doesn’t believe in a rebuild so I’m looking for a FA QB to be added to kick off the next generation of NHALS

Malik Willis

God no

[anpsteel]

Here is what I see in Will Howard

The single most important characteristic to be successful as an NFL quarterback

Is the speed to process what you are seeing and understanding what you are seeing

After that

Intelligence and memory regarding the playbook and defensive schemes
Passing accuracy
Arm strength
(if you are really accurate, you can get away with a lesser arm)

In regard to Will Howard, he improved over the course of the season and in the championship game he played one of the most impressive games I can recall in memory

What was most impressive about that performance, was watching him go through his progressions on time and deliver the ball where it needed to be repeatedly


That is such a rare thing to see from college quarterbacks

He has shown he has the ability to perform the most important component of being a successful NFL quarterback

That is why I am excited about Will Howard and the reason I think many others are as well

[Gonzo]

I am fine giving him a chance
Maybe he is a good backup eventually
Why we would want to bring back Rodger’s or hire Willis or mac jones are some other half bum is beyond me

[Obviously]

Give Howard a chance. Enough of this finding the latest long in the tooth quarterback.

[Dan Smith--BYU]

Anyone expecting Ben 2004 out of any new young QB is delusional. That was the wild exception not the rule.

[.Kodiak]

Give Howard a chance. Enough of this finding the latest long in the tooth quarterback.

Seems dumb to bury him on the depth chart just because of his draft selection.

A new coach won't be afraid of giving talent a chance even if it means a potentially losing record.

[Stosh-67]

Here is what I see in Will Howard

The single most important characteristic to be successful as an NFL quarterback

Is the speed to process what you are seeing and understanding what you are seeing

After that

Intelligence and memory regarding the playbook and defensive schemes
Passing accuracy
Arm strength
(if you are really accurate, you can get away with a lesser arm)

In regard to Will Howard, he improved over the course of the season and in the championship game he played one of the most impressive games I can recall in memory

What was most impressive about that performance, was watching him go through his progressions on time and deliver the ball where it needed to be repeatedly


That is such a rare thing to see from college quarterbacks

He has shown he has the ability to perform the most important component of being a successful NFL quarterback

That is why I am excited about Will Howard and the reason I think many others are as well

Thanks for that input ANP.
My son kept saying all year he was hoping to see Howard get in a game.

[anpsteel]

Here is what I see in Will Howard

The single most important characteristic to be successful as an NFL quarterback

Is the speed to process what you are seeing and understanding what you are seeing

After that

Intelligence and memory regarding the playbook and defensive schemes
Passing accuracy
Arm strength
(if you are really accurate, you can get away with a lesser arm)

In regard to Will Howard, he improved over the course of the season and in the championship game he played one of the most impressive games I can recall in memory

What was most impressive about that performance, was watching him go through his progressions on time and deliver the ball where it needed to be repeatedly


That is such a rare thing to see from college quarterbacks

He has shown he has the ability to perform the most important component of being a successful NFL quarterback

That is why I am excited about Will Howard and the reason I think many others are as well

Thanks for that input ANP.
My son kept saying all year he was hoping to see Howard get in a game.

Obviously everything moves much faster in the NFL and the passing windows are much smaller- so there is no guarantee... but having that ability, is such a key component.

A perfect example of that would be Kenny Pickett v Brock Purdy They are about the same in size and arm strength but Purdy is able to process what he's seeing and deliver the ball where it should go and on time - whereas Pickett struggles to make those reads, get the ball where it should go and when he does, it's late.


Pickett has never been able to process what he's seeing. Certainly not quickly enough, and maybe not at all.

[lifelongsteel]

Howard panning out would be the ideal scenario, but just based on draft position, draft scouting reports, and my unqualified eye test, Howard's odds look something like this:

Can't play at all: 10%
Emergency QB: 30%
Solid backup: 30%
Borderline starter: 20%
Solid starter: 9%
Top 10-15 guy: .9999%
All Pro: .000001%

What they really need to do is get Mason Rudolph out of the way. Rudolph's floor is solid backup and ceiling is borderline starter. He's played enough to establish that. If they keep him he should be getting minimal snaps in camp so that Howard and 1-2 other QB they bring in can get the reps and show what they've got.

Going into the season with Rudolph as the starter is worst case scenario.