The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback dilemma: Will they find their future star in the 2026 draft?
The Steelers are on the hunt for a long-term solution at the quarterback position, but the 2026 draft class may not provide an obvious answer. In a surprising twist, the team seems to be learning from past mistakes, as they won't be rushing to pick a QB with their 21st overall selection. This is a stark contrast to their previous strategy, as revealed by PPG's Gerry Dulac.
But here's the catch: The Steelers believe there's only one quarterback worthy of a first-round pick, and that's Indiana's rising star, Fernando Mendoza. This bold statement has sparked intrigue among fans and experts alike. What about the other highly-rated prospects?
One such prospect is Alabama's Ty Simpson, who had a remarkable start to his 2025 college season, going from an unknown to a potential first-round pick. However, a disappointing end to his season, including a lackluster Rose Bowl performance, may have hurt his draft stock. Despite a solid NFL Combine workout, the Steelers don't seem convinced, indicating they have different plans.
Mendoza and Simpson are the only two quarterbacks the draft community considers first-round material. So, if not in the first round, when will the Steelers make their move? Dulac suggests Friday night, but potentially as late as the third round. This delay could be a strategic move, but it leaves room for speculation.
The Steelers met with three quarterbacks at the Combine: Carson Beck (Miami), Drew Allar (Penn State), and Simpson. Beck's stock has fallen, and Allar, despite his size and Combine performance, is recovering from a poor season and a significant injury. LSU's Garrett Nussmeier is another name to watch, potentially becoming the third QB off the board in April.
A third-round pick for a quarterback might not be a mere backup plan, but will it be a franchise-altering decision? It's a tricky question, reminiscent of the Mason Rudolph selection years ago. The Steelers, it seems, are playing a long game, hoping to find their future star with a calculated risk. Will this strategy pay off, or will it leave fans yearning for a new direction?
And the debate continues... What do you think about the Steelers' QB draft plan? Is waiting until the later rounds a wise move, or should they take a chance on a first-round prospect? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
