The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to be one of the most talked about teams in the NFL as the 2026 NFL Draft creeps closer and closer. The reasoning for this is the gigantic question mark that is the quarterback position, as well as the fact that the organization has 12 selections in the event. It is very unlikely that the Steelers will be making all 12 picks however, and some of that capital will probably dealt for 2027 compensation, or to move up in the 2026 Draft. Pittsburgh is going to be watched closely as it prepares to host the 2026 NFL Draft, especially with the entire city still waiting on a decision from Aaron Rodgers about his future.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers warms up before playing the Cincinnati Bengals on the road during the 2025 season.
It has long been thought the Steelers were not in any sort of position to find its next franchise quarterback through the 2026 NFL Draft. The best quarterback in the event is arguably Fernando Mendoza out of Indiana, and he seems like a lock to go to the Las Vegas Raiders with the first overall selection. The only other quarterback that has been mentioned in first round conversations has been Ty Simpson out of Alabama. He had an early-season surge in 2025, but he didn't end the season on a great note.
Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky made a controversial take on ESPN Monday morning where he said with confidence that Simpson is the best quarterback prospect in the draft. Former NFL general manager, Mike Tannenbaum agreed with the analyst in a series of posts on X.
"In talking to clubs, this opinion is shared by other teams as well," Tannenbaum said of Orlovsky's comments. "The gap between Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson is much smaller than the gap between the #2 QB and #3 QB, which is a significant difference."
Many fans in Pittsburgh have written Simpson off. Much of the fan base would rather see the organization wait until the 2027 NFL Draft, which is supposed to be loaded with talent at the quarterback position. If the Steelers think there is a player that can be a major improvement at quarterback and could be the future at the position, they are going to take that player. The franchise won't wait until 2027, as a ton of things can change by then.
The Crimson White / Clara Kee
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson celebrates after scoring a touchdown during a home game in 2025.
It is unclear where the Steelers stand on this debate, and if they are one of the teams that view Simpson to be a better prospect than Mendoza. However, it is fair to assume that it is a conversation going on within the building in Pittsburgh. Every quarterback-needy team is probably having discussions surrounding Simpson.
I imagine Dan is gonna get a lot of hate for this take but I don't think it's THAT crazy, and I agree with his points.
— Marcus Whitman (@TFG_Football) March 23, 2026
Simpson has better traits and was.. without a doubt.. asked to make more "NFL throws" and put in a more difficult situation. (1) https://t.co/gYMzEgcF22
Plenty of former players and current analysts came out in agreement with Orlovsky, or at least mentioned why he could be correct. The bottom line is that there is more belief in Simpson at the NFL level than there is from fans, so him going in the first round should not shock anyone.
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Ty Simpson speaking at the Scouting Combine ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Steelers Likely Won't Be Able To Land Ty Simpson
If Rodgers decides to come back to Pittsburgh, quarterback prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft do not really matter. However, if he decides to retire, the Steelers drafting a quarterback seems to be much more likely. Mendoza will be off of the board immediately, and the Steelers do not pick until spot 21 overall. The Cleveland Browns and New York Jets would both be teams that could grab Simpson before the Steelers have a chance to, and New York has two picks before the Steelers get on the clock.
What is your assessment of Simpson? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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