The Pittsburgh Steelers are at a crossroads, and the future of their quarterback position hangs in the balance. But here's where it gets controversial: while Will Howard has been generating buzz among fans and even earned praise from Steelers executive Omar Khan, NFL analyst Louis Riddick boldly claims Howard isn’t even in the 'same stratosphere' as Alabama’s Ty Simpson. If that doesn’t grab your attention, consider this: Simpson is being touted as a potential first-round pick, while Howard slipped to the sixth round last year. So, what’s the real story here? And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about talent, but about fit, potential, and the Steelers’ long-term strategy.
Riddick recently shared his thoughts on ESPN’s NFL Live, making it clear he’s Team Simpson all the way. 'I like Will Howard,' he admitted, 'but I don’t like him as much as Ty Simpson. Their ability to throw the football isn’t even comparable.' Riddick pointed to Simpson’s impressive start last season, where he threw 21 touchdowns with just one interception in Alabama’s first nine games. That kind of performance screams first-round talent—until it didn’t. Simpson’s play dipped later in the season, partly due to injuries and illness, leaving scouts with a smaller, harder-to-evaluate sample size. But here’s the kicker: Riddick believes Simpson is tailor-made for Mike McCarthy’s system and predicts he’ll be off the board well before the Steelers’ pick at 21.
Howard, on the other hand, has the experience edge. He started multiple years in college and has more than double the pass attempts of Simpson. Yet, he fell to the sixth round, raising questions about whether NFL evaluators missed something—or if Howard simply isn’t franchise quarterback material. Controversial take alert: Could Howard’s late draft position be a red flag, or is he a hidden gem waiting to prove the doubters wrong?
The gap between these two prospects is undeniable. Simpson, despite his flaws, is widely viewed as the second-best quarterback in this draft class. Howard, meanwhile, has Steelers fans excited but lacks the same pedigree. If Pittsburgh spends a first-round pick on Simpson, it’s a clear signal that they see him as their long-term starter—bad news for Howard’s chances. But here’s the question that’ll spark debate: Is Simpson’s potential worth the risk, or should the Steelers bet on Howard’s experience and upside? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—who would you choose, and why?
