Former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard's journey from college to the NFL paints an unfortunate reality about the transition to the pros.
After all, Howard is a national champion. And yet, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected him with the No. 185 overall pick. The combination of player expectations, evaluations, and circumstances leaves a very narrow path for many products coming out of college.
And Howard is no different. Even with the rumors of Aaron Rodgers leaving Pittsburgh, Howard is unfortunately not in the conversation for the franchise's future. CBS Sports analyst Danny Kanell was the latest to knock Howard, instead lauding Alabama junior Ty Simpson as the Steelers' next signal-caller. Simpson threw for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions this season, leading the Crimson Tide to the Rose Bowl against Indiana.
"They've got a quarterback in Mason Rudolph who they can kind of use as a bridge. Will Howard was a sixth-round pick last year at quarterback, but I don’t think he’s the long-term answer," Kanell said on CBS Sports HQ last Thursday. "This is where I think the sweet spot is for Ty Simpson; around 21 right here in the Draft. Even if they could possibly trade back in the first round, you kind of take some of the pressure off him, but I do think this is the sweet spot for the Steelers."
The Steelers are in an odd position, especially after firing Mike Tomlin. With Rodgers likely on the way out, the team's options are thin. The 2026 Draft doesn't offer much at the quarterback position, and there aren't many solid veteran options willing to go to a team seemingly in a rebuild.
And still, even with the lack of outside options, Howard's name is barely mentioned among the organization's next plans.
"This is why I thought this is one of the least attractive job offers," CBS Sports' Leger Douzable said. "I know the allure and pedigree of Pittsburgh, but they don’t have a succession plan at quarterback. They pick 20th in the Draft, but they're most likely not gonna get their quarterback there. Ty Simpson could come into the fold right there, but are there enough pieces around him for that young quarterback to actually have success?"
Howard spent four years at Kansas State, throwing for 5,786 yards, 48 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions. He transferred to Ohio State for his final year, leading the Buckeyes to a dominant postseason that culminated in a title. He had 1,150 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and two interceptions in the playoffs, propelling him to the NFL Draft.
Still, a lackluster four seasons in Manhattan, KS, raised uncertainty about his NFL capability. A dominant season shifted narratives but one year of success isn't the best look after several in mediocrity. It certainly didn't help Howard's case that several eventual pro-level players surrounded the roster.