I am so tired of hearing about Aaron Rodgers, so I decided to take a different look at the Steelers quarterback situation.
Currently, the Steelers have three QB’s on their roster, Will Howard, Mason Rudolph, and Skylar Thompson. The consensus seems to be that Rudolph will get the start if Rodgers isn’t signed, but I think there is a real case to be made for Howard to lead this team from the get-go.
I want to preface this by saying I actually want to see Rodgers in a black and gold uniform. Not because I think he is the savior that will lead the Steelers to a super bowl, but because I am a big believer that a rookie QB turns into a better product after having a veteran show them the ropes.
That being said, I think Howard could handle being a first year starter not only holding his own, but excelling in the process.
I know college doesn’t equate to NFL success, but for the sake of my argument, I am going to compare Will Howard to Mason Rudolph’s college stats, and Ben Roethlisberger just for fun.
First is the physical stature of the three, Will comes in at 6’4″ 235 lbs, Mason 6’5″ 230lbs, and Ben 6’5″ 240 lbs. Really not much to contrast here, but what I do like is that Howard had a 4.5 40 yard dash, Ben ran a 4.7, and Rudolph comes in last with a 4.9. Fractions of a second I know, but given Howard’s size, I like those numbers, especially when you consider Kenny Pickett ran a 4.7 at 6’3″ 220 lbs.
Ok, now for the real meat and potatoes.
Let’s keep in mind that Ben went to Miami of Ohio in the MAC. Mason played in Oklahoma State which is big 12. Will started in the big 12 at Kansas State but ended his collegiate career in the big 10 with Ohio State. So, while I do think conference matters, it’s not always the best litmus test for NFL success.
To save some time, I won’t get into each year of college, but I am aware of how bad Howard’s first two years in Kansas were. Just know between his freshman and sophomore years he played 15 games, threw nine touchdowns and 11 interceptions with with a QB rating of around 110. Each qb excelled in their senior year and that is what I want to focus on.
Roethlisberger played in 13 games, had 37 touchdowns to his 10 interceptions, threw for 4486 yards and a QBR of 165. He also rushed for 111 yards and 3 TD’s.
Rudolph played in 13 games, 37 TD’s, 9 INT’s, 4904 yards with a 170 QBR. Much less mobile though, Mason only ran for 35 yards, no rushing TD’s.
Howard played 16 games this past season, had 35 TD’s, 10 INT’s, 4010 yards with a 175 QBR. Howard also had 226 rushing yards and 7 rushing TD’s.
Sure, Howard had 3 more games than the other two with less yards and TD’s thrown but look at that rating. Along with being mobile, Howard sure puts up an argument for having a better senior year, oh and did I mention a national championship as well.
Personally, I think Howard didn’t go earlier because he wasn’t flashy. He did however lead Kansas to a big 12 title in 2022 and was a second-team all-big honoree in 2023. His 73% completion rating was better than Mason’s at 65 and Ben’s at 69. The consistency is there, and the improvement was huge from his freshman and sophomore years, showing that he is coachable and ready to learn.
Training camp and preseason will be interesting and telling of what will transpire for the Steelers next season, but I believe that Howard has the fundamentals and abilities to take the reigns from the jump.
