PIT • • #
Howard (6’4/236) played the first four seasons of his career at Kansas State, starting 27 games over that span. He threw for 2,643-24-10 in 2023, but left for greener pastures at the end of the season, landing at Ohio State with a much-improved talent pool. Howard made the most of his situation with the Buckeyes, posting career highs in passing yards (4,010) and passing touchdowns (35) while averaging a career best 9.5 YPA. He started 16 games for them last season on the way to winning a national championship, leading an offense that ranked 14th in the nation in points and 29th in passing yards per game. Howard has the ideal size for a pocket passer and has displayed good escapability when it comes to avoiding pressure and beating the blitz. His career 63.5 completion percentage leaves much to be desired, but he showed steady improvement in his accuracy throughout his career, and saw his completion percentage balloon to a career-best 72.8 percent last season. The talent around Howard undoubtedly propelled what turned out to be a career year, and raises the question of whether or not he can show a similar level of play in the pros. Howard completed 60 percent of his passes in just two of the five seasons he played in and has three 10-interception seasons on his resumé. He’s drawn criticism for his limited ability to read a defense and average arm strength, but Howard could make just enough plays to stick around in the league for a while if his accuracy translates to the pros. The Steelers add Howard to an open quarterback room currently led by Mason Rudolph.
about 2 months ago
April 26, 2025 8:12 PM
