Will Alabama's Ty Simpson solve the Steelers' quarterback puzzle? A surprise first-round pick, but questions linger about his readiness and a potential fade.
The Pittsburgh Steelers need help on both sides of the ball, as last season’s statistics indicate. They were 25th in total offense and 26th in total defense.
However, the feeling is that the Steelers need more help offensively. The Athletic’s recent three-round mock draft supports that theory.
Pittsburgh is expected to pull a surprise in the first round with the 21st pick by selecting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. The Steelers certainly could use a franchise quarterback, as they have failed in their pursuit of one since Ben Roethlisberger retired after the 2021 season.
But is Simpson the answer to what has become a long-standing riddle? That’s questionable because some NFL personnel people believe Simpson would benefit from another season in college.
Simpson was a backup during his first three seasons at Alabama from 2022-24, attempting just 50 passes. In 2025, Simpson won the starting job in training camp and led the nation with 305 completions and 473 attempts while passing for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns with five interceptions.
However, Simpson faded down the stretch and threw for just 122 yards in a win over Auburn in the regular season finale. Alabama lost to Georgia in the SEC Championship Game, then bounced back to beat Oklahoma in a College Football Playoff first-round game.
Alabama was then steamrolled by eventual national champion Indiana 38-3 in the Rose Bowl quarterfinals, and Simpson had his worst game of the season. Though he completed 12 of 16 passes, it was good for 67 yards.
Speaking of Indiana, Pittsburgh is predicted to pick Hoosiers wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. in the second round. He was an integral part of Indiana’s first-ever national championship team with 69 receptions for 937 yards and 14 touchdowns. Cooper led the nation with 21.1 yards per catch in 2024.
With their three third-round picks, the Steelers are projected to select Texas A&M cornerback Will Lee III, Georgia Tech interior offensive lineman Keylen Rutledge, and Georgia State wide receiver Ted Hurst.
Pittsburgh went 10-8 last year and won its first AFC North title since 2020 despite the poor league rankings on offense and defense. They were then routed by the Houston Texans 30-6 in a Wild Card playoff game. Coach Mike Tomlin resigned the following day after 19 seasons and was replaced by Mike McCarthy.
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