The Pittsburgh Steelers have been busy meeting with players in Indianapolis at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. After watching a talented group of defensive linemen and linebackers take the field for workouts, we learned of the latest Combine meeting that should have fans shuddering.
On Thursday, Chris Halicke of DK Pittsburgh Sports reported that the Steelers' brass had a formal meeting with Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson. On Friday, Simpson spoke to the media, where he gushed over Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy.
Simpson was asked during the media session if he got a chance to meet with McCarthy and the Steelers. The young quarterback didn't hold back his excitement about the potential of joining Pittsburgh in the NFL Draft.
"[I] met with him. Coach [Mike] McCarthy is the guy, man. It was funny, like we would go in there and ask a couple of questions and just talking ball...
We were just going back and forth, and by the time we finished, it felt like five minutes because of how much fun we had. I love Coach McCarthy, love the Steelers, love those guys, and super excited to get to know them."
The Steelers have a desperate need at the quarterback position, and it seems like both parties hit it off right away at the NFL Combine. But this could be a disaster waiting to happen.
The Pittsburgh Steelers should not consider QB Ty Simpson in Round 1 of the NFL Draft despite obvious Combine synergy
Regardless of how well Simpson interviewed or what McCarthy might think about him, the Pittsburgh Steelers must be cautious not to hitch their wagon to the Alabama quarterback after examining his troubling red flags.
In 2025, Simpson started the season off strong, but he plummeted back down to earth late in the year. Over his final five, which included an early exit in the Rose Bowl in a 38-3 loss against Indiana. Simpson averaged a mere 156 passing yards per game. During this stretch, Simpson threw for just six touchdowns and three interceptions while averaging a dismal 5.7 yards per attempt.
And this is college football we're talking about, not the NFL. If Simpson were a true first-round prospect, his numbers should have been twice as good down the stretch.
Simpson is a true one-year wonder with modest production. His lack of starting experience in college is a major concern, and at 23 years old, it's not like the Steelers would be getting the benefit of extreme youth as he almost certainly needs to sit and redshirt his rookie season while learning behind a capable starting QB.
On top of all of this, Simpson doesn't have an elite size profile or the traits worth betting on. The Alabama product has a thin, undersized frame for the position and arm talent that would only be considered average by NFL standards.
Simpson might be a great interviewer, but with questionable tape, modest tools, and one year of starting experience, the Pittsburgh Steelers can't be duped into taking him with the No. 21 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.