The Pittsburgh Steelers face a quarterback dilemma for 2026, with Aaron Rodgers as the likely starter unless sidelined. Should that happen, sixth-round pick Will Howard is positioned to step in, receiving high praise from former linebacker James Harrison. Drawing parallels to a young Ben Roethlisberger, Harrison suggests that with a solid running game and defense, Howard could find early success much like Roethlisberger did during his rookie season. The Steelers' roster has promising talent across positions, suggesting a resurgence toward a smashmouth identity akin to the early 2000s. However, the NFL landscape has evolved, making direct comparisons challenging.

By the Numbers
  • In Roethlisberger's rookie season, the Steelers lost only one game.
  • Will Howard was a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Yes, But

Despite Harrison's optimism, comparing Howard, a sixth-round pick, to the 11th overall pick Roethlisberger in 2004 may be overly ambitious. There's a significant gap in expectations and proven ability between the two.

State of Play
  • The Steelers are working on building a strong running game with players like Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle.
  • New defensive coordinator Patrick Graham faces the challenge of revitalizing a struggling defense.
What's Next

If Howard becomes the starter, the Steelers may need to adapt their offensive strategy to fit his skill set while enabling a balanced attack. Future developments will hinge on team chemistry and performance during preseason and beyond.

Bottom Line

The Steelers have various elements in place to potentially recreate an effective offense similar to Roethlisberger's early days, but relying on a sixth-round rookie may be risky. The team must navigate the complexities of Howard's transition while balancing expectations with reality.