The Ripple Effect: How Shedeur Sanders Accidentally Reshaped the QB Market
In the high-stakes world of the NFL Draft, the fate of one superstar can often trigger a domino effect that alters the careers of dozens of others. This was exactly what happened in April 2025. While the headlines focused on the shocking slide of Shedeur Sanders, a quieter, more devastating trend was emerging for the rest of the quarterback class: the “Shedeur Sanders effect on QBs.”
For players like former Ohio State standout Will Howard, the fallout was immediate. After a strong collegiate run, Howard watched as his draft stock plummeted, not necessarily because of his own performance, but because the market for quarterbacks had been completely disrupted.
The Crash of the 2025 Quarterback Market
According to recent insights from The Christian Kuntz Podcast, Will Howard revealed a sobering reality: NFL teams became apprehensive about taking risks on late-round quarterback prospects. When a talent as highly touted as Shedeur Sanders slides from a projected first or second-round pick all the way to the fifth, it sends a signal to the rest of the league.
The result? A collective hesitation that affected several top prospects, including:
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- Will Howard (Former Ohio State Buckeyes)
- Quinn Ewers (Texas Longhorns)
- Riley Leonard (Notre Dame Fighting Irish)
- Kyle McCord (Syracuse Orange / Former Ohio State)
As Howard noted, the sliding of Sanders essentially “hurt a lot of the other quarterbacks” in the class, making teams wary of investing in the position during the later rounds of the draft.
Will Howard: A Tough Landing in the Steel City
While Howard’s season in Columbus was modest—marked by a 58% on-target percentage and 10 interceptions—he proved he could lead and elevate teammates, most notably helping star freshman Jeremiah Smith shine. Under normal circumstances, Howard likely would have been a solid fourth or fifth-round selection.
However, due to the market volatility, Howard ended up with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In a move that feels more like a challenge than an opportunity, Howard finds himself in a room dominated by the presence of Aaron Rodgers. In Pittsburgh, Howard isn’t just fighting for reps; he’s fighting for visibility in a room where every headline is consumed by Rodgers.
Irony in the Depth Chart: Sanders vs. Howard
The great irony of the “Sanders Effect” is that while Shedeur’s slide hurt others, he may have actually landed in a more opportunistic spot. Drafted by the Cleveland Browns, Sanders entered a room with Dillon Gabriel and Deshaun Watson. Given Watson’s recurring health struggles, Sanders is positioned to potentially reclaim a starting role much faster than his peers.
Meanwhile, Howard is navigating a complex environment in Pittsburgh:
- Competition: He must compete with fellow draft pick Drew Allar.
- Coaching Change: Brian Angelichio has taken over for Arthur Smith, bringing a new dynamic to the Steel City offense.
- The Rodgers Shadow: With Rodgers likely in his final NFL year, Howard is fighting for the scraps of playing time.
Can Will Howard Overcome the Odds?
Despite the uphill battle, there is a glimmer of hope. Reports indicate that Howard received the majority of first-team reps during OTAs. Whether this translates to actual game time remains to be seen, but his resilience in the face of a “market crash” will define his early professional career.
For a deeper look at current NFL roster movements and quarterback rankings, check out the latest updates on NFL.com or detailed player analytics at ESPN NFL.
