The Pittsburgh Steelers are on the hunt for their next franchise quarterback, and it's clear that this journey will likely take them through the NFL Draft. Yet, despite the buzz around Alabama's Ty Simpson as a potential first-round pick, the Steelers seem to be taking a cautious approach.
They've notably skipped Simpson's Pro Day and haven't scheduled a pre-draft visit, aside from a meeting at the Combine. This could suggest doubts about his size, skill set, or overall potential.
However, CBS Sports draft expert Mike Renner is urging teams to take a closer look at Simpson. On a recent episode of "Check the Mic" with Steve Palazzolo and Sam Monson, Renner laid out a compelling case for Simpson's abilities, predicting he could land in the top 10 of the draft.
Renner highlighted Simpson's impressive tape, noting his nimble footwork and strong arm, capable of launching a 70-yard pass against South Carolina. Comparisons to players like Brock Purdy and Mac Jones have emerged, but Renner believes Simpson's arm strength ranks him around 12th among current NFL starters.
While this isn't a mainstream opinion, Renner's insights suggest that the Steelers might want to take a second look before dismissing Simpson as a first-round option.
Reflecting on past decisions, the Steelers have previously bypassed quarterbacks like Jaxson Dart, who, despite initial doubts, showcased immense potential when healthy. Similarly, Tyler Shough's early second-round selection by the Saints has proven fruitful. These examples underscore the importance of thorough due diligence.
Though some skepticism remains about Simpson-particularly concerning his relatively small frame and limited college experience-it's crucial for the Steelers to explore all avenues. Bringing Simpson in for a pre-draft visit could offer valuable insights into his mental processing and readiness for the NFL stage.
In a league where the quarterback position holds immense value, the Steelers can't afford to overlook any potential franchise player without a thorough evaluation. Renner's analysis serves as a timely reminder that Simpson might just be worth a deeper dive before the draft clock starts ticking.