March 2, 2026 at 10:28 pm Share — Jake Heaps (@jtheaps9) March 26, 2025 “They had a lot of trust in him,” Heaps said of Howard in a 2025 ESPN feature, “to handle a lot of, I would say, deep pro-style run checks as well as audibles — from a run to a pass, a pass to a run. These are all things that NFL quarterbacks are asked to do, that not a whole of college guys are asked to do.” Heaps is apparently working with Mendoza now, too. Opting against throwing at the NFL Combine, Mendoza will throw at his upcoming Indiana Pro Day. The final box for him to check before being taken No. 1 by the Las Vegas Raiders, though the decision to throw is primarily to benefit his receivers like Omar Cooper Jr. and Elijah Sarratt. While Mendoza’s standing with the Raiders is certain, Howard is fighting to carve out a role with the Steelers. Missing the preseason with a broken bone in his hand, spending the first half of 2025 on injured reserve, and never appearing in a game once healthy, Howard is hoping to accelerate his development in 2026. If Aaron Rodgers doesn’t return, there’s a chance Howard could battle for the starting job. If Rodgers comes back, Howard will challenge Mason Rudolph to be the No. 2. No matter what, Howard needs a strong training camp and preseason. Expectations from fans are high and only fueled by Pittsburgh’s glowing comments, earning endorsements from new head coach Mike McCarthy and general manager Omar Khan. The photo is proof that the NFL doesn’t care where you come from. A sixth round pick like Howard. A first overall selection like Mendoza. Hard work and talent get rewarded with opportunity, something both men could get during the 2026 season. Related Items: