2025 NFL Draft Steelers Analysis
Will Howard Faces Significant Adjustment to Arthur Smith’s Steelers Offense
There has been plenty of excitement surrounding Pittsburgh Steelers sixth-round 2025 NFL Draft pick Will Howard, but the rookie quarterback will face a substantial learning curve as he transitions from a shotgun-heavy college system under Chip Kelly at Ohio State to the under-center, play-action-heavy scheme run by Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
Howard’s college experience came almost exclusively from spread formations. According to Pro Football Focus, more than 95% of Howard’s snaps at Ohio State came from the shotgun. The Buckeyes utilized an up-tempo, no-huddle system built around run-pass options (RPOs), quick reads, and vertical spacing, all designed to simplify quarterback decision-making and stress defenses horizontally.
Arthur Smith’s offensive philosophy couldn’t be more different. Rooted in a pro-style structure, Smith relies heavily on under-center snaps, wide-zone runs, and condensed formations. His scheme routinely deploys 12 and 13 personnel groupings—featuring multiple tight ends and fullbacks, to establish a downhill run game. Once defenses are forced to stack the box, Smith dials up deep play-action shots that capitalize on one-on-one matchups outside.
For Howard, adapting to this style of offense means learning an entirely new rhythm. He will need to become comfortable with five- and seven-step drops, master play-action footwork, and read full-field progressions post-snap. Unlike the RPO-heavy scheme he operated in college, Smith’s offense requires the quarterback to manipulate defenders with his eyes and make throws into tighter NFL windows.
“Since the draft, it’s really just been learning the playbook,” Howard said. “All I’m worried about is right now and getting better and learning the offense. I just want to help this team the best I can.”
Tempo will also be a key adjustment. Kelly’s offense often snapped the ball within 15 seconds, relying on pace and space. Smith’s scheme is slower, more methodical, and emphasizes time of possession and situational football, requiring patience and precision.
Statistically, Howard flashed in certain areas but showed room to grow. According to PFF, Howard ranked in the 20th percentile in drop-back grade without play action, suggesting he benefited heavily from scheme assistance. However, his pressure-to-sack rate was just 13.0%, eighth among all draft-eligible quarterbacks, demonstrating an ability to handle pressure and extend plays.
Smith has shown adaptability in the past, incorporating more shotgun and zone-read concepts in 2024 to suit mobile quarterbacks Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. That flexibility could help ease Howard’s transition, especially early in his development.
Ultimately, Howard has the size, athleticism, and arm strength to grow into a capable NFL quarterback. But his success will hinge on how quickly he can absorb the mental and mechanical demands of Smith’s offense, one built on structure, precision, and post-snap processing.