As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves at the center of the conversation. With 12 draft picks in their arsenal, the Steelers have ample flexibility, but the quarterback position remains a pressing issue.
It's unlikely Pittsburgh will use all 12 picks, making trades for future assets or moves up the draft order a strong possibility. Hosting the draft adds another layer of intrigue, especially with the city eagerly awaiting Aaron Rodgers' decision about his future.
The Steelers' quest for a franchise quarterback through this draft seems challenging. Indiana's Fernando Mendoza is the top prospect and expected to be snatched up by the Las Vegas Raiders with the first pick. Meanwhile, Alabama's Ty Simpson, who showed promise early in 2025 but faltered later, is the only other quarterback getting first-round buzz.
Dan Orlovsky stirred the pot with his bold claim on ESPN, declaring Simpson the best quarterback prospect. Former GM Mike Tannenbaum backed him up, noting that many teams see a smaller gap between Mendoza and Simpson than between Simpson and the rest of the quarterback class.
This perspective isn't universally shared among Steelers fans, many of whom prefer waiting until the quarterback-rich 2027 draft. However, if Pittsburgh identifies Simpson as their future star, they might not wait.
The Steelers' stance on this quarterback debate remains unclear, but it's likely a hot topic in their war room. Every team in need of a quarterback is likely weighing Simpson's potential. Marcus Whitman echoed Orlovsky's sentiments, highlighting Simpson's NFL-ready traits and the challenging situations he's faced.
Despite mixed fan opinions, there's considerable belief in Simpson among NFL circles, making his first-round selection plausible. The Steelers, picking at 21, might miss out on Simpson if Rodgers retires and they decide to draft a quarterback. With the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets picking earlier, Pittsburgh's quarterback plans hinge on several moving pieces.