You never want to see the Pittsburgh Steelers get desperate to address the quarterback position in the NFL Draft like they did with Kenny Pickett. They are projected to have plenty of draft capital stemming from different compensatory picks to help their cause. The Steelers didn't make any significant trades before the deadline, signaling their intention to be all in for the draft.
After many thought the 2026 NFL Draft would be full of talented quarterbacks, that train of thought has reversed. Many of the top names have suffered underwhelming campaigns, leading some to question how many impactful signal callers will be available in the event. There are some prospects worth trading up for in the draft, but Pittsburgh must be cautious.
A crop of highly projected quarterbacks heading into the college season has shrunk from six players down to two or three.
The remainder of the college campaign will determine how those views switch heading into the NFL Draft. There seem to be only two strong options available right now, and the Steelers could miss out on them unless they find a way to move up in the first round.
Only two QBs are worth trading up for in the 2026 NFL Draft for the Pittsburgh Steelers
Ty Simpson, Alabama
No other quarterback prospect potentially entering the draft has enjoyed a quicker rise to stardom than Ty Simpson. He worked his butt off to become the Alabama starter, and it is paying off for him and the program. He has shown that he can make any throw on the field and scramble when necessary. Simpson is flying up draft boards, and the Steelers have been watching.
Pittsburgh has scouted many of Simpson's games, and he continues to shine when the moments are biggest.
The biggest concern surrounding Alabama's quarterback is his lone season as a starter. With that said, his production has been massive. He has only thrown one interception through nine games this year. He will go high in the NFL Draft, so the Steelers would need a significant trade-up to pick him.
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Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Outside of Simpson's fantastic season, Fernando Mendoza is leading the pack of quarterback prospects heading into the final stretch of the college season.
He is in the Heisman conversation and could catapult himself into the first overall selection in the NFL Draft. Mendoza is enjoying a breakout campaign with Indiana, which is following his lead into contention for the best team in the Big Ten Conference.
One of the reasons why Mendoza is higher on draft boards than Simpson is his starting experience. He started for the California Golden Bears for two seasons before joining Indiana. He has taken his game to the next level, which might put him out of reach for the Steelers unless they’re willing to pay a significant trade price. He has franchise potential written all over him.