Mock drafts are not the litmus test when it comes to how the actual NFL Draft will go. Many believed Shedeur Sanders would go in the first round last year, but he fell to the fifth round. Trying to locate a long-term quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers has been a troublesome task. With Mike Tomlin gone, the team could focus on building for the future rather than signing another veteran castoff.
This offseason is a weak one for the Steelers to add a solid quarterback.
It could present challenges to give themselves a shot at competing. Things won't get any easier, and it's possible they might have to bring aboard another veteran retread or roll with Will Howard or Mason Rudolph as their starter in 2026. Most don't believe that will happen, and it points to Alabama product Ty Simpson being a potential option, according to Fox Sports' latest mock draft.
"He's had a mix of incredible games along with some terrible ones, but his decisiveness and accuracy are tools teams can work with."
Taking Simpson in the first round of the NFL Draft would present a massive gamble for Pittsburgh. They would be selecting a quarterback who currently lacks the talent to justify a top pick. In reality, the Crimson Tide QB should go between rounds two and three. Instead, selecting him in the first round could spell doom, similar to when Kenny Pickett was their top choice in 2022.
Pittsburgh Steelers take massive gamble with QB Ty Simpson in latest mock draft
When it comes down to it, the Steelers cannot show their desperation for a quarterback this year like they did when they took Pickett. If they pass up Simpson in the first round, it's possible they could wait until the second day of the draft to trade up to select him with their high number of draft picks at their disposal. A once highly regarded class of signal callers in 2026 has shriveled up into nothing.
The reasoning behind Simpson being the pick in the mock draft is fair, but it's scary to consider.
"Regardless of whether the Steelers re-sign Aaron Rodgers, they'll need to draft a quarterback at some point in this draft." The article continued, "Simpson would be a good pick, and Pittsburgh would be a solid landing spot."
The mock draft makes a valid point that Pittsburgh should consider drafting a quarterback, but it is mistaken in the scenario where Aaron Rodgers returns. If he does, the Steelers would have three quarterbacks on the roster, possibly four if Skyler Thompson returns. That would be too many passers on one team. It does seem unlikely Rodgers will return after Tomlin stepped down.
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Unless the organization can find an offensive guru known for developing quarterbacks into stardom, it's hard to imagine a scenario where Simpson would work out. He had some strong performances against tough competition this past season, but he also revealed certain weaknesses. He tapered off during the final stretch of the season, and in the playoff game, things turned.
Simpson could develop into a starter at the next level, but it could take time.
Making him the first round pick in this mock draft to the Steelers would be mind-boggling if it became reality. The young gunslinger has too many question marks heading into the NFL to trust he will develop into an elite talent. Unless the Steelers can land him on Day 2 of the draft, they're better off going another route.