The Pittsburgh Steelers don't have their quarterback for next season ironed out just yet. Aaron Rodgers could re-join first-year head coach Mike McCarthy for his 22nd NFL go-round. Mason Rudolph and Will Howard will be back either way.
CBS Sports' Mike Renner had the Steelers going a different direction in his latest 2026 NFL Draft mock scenario. McCarthy and general manager Omar Khan plucked Alabama triggerman Ty Simpson with the No. 21 overall pick in the order.
"Simpson may have his warts, but he has an NFL-caliber arm and flashed special ability in his lone season as a starter," Renner wrote . "McCarthy has a strong track record of quarterback development and would get a player with a lot of potential to mentor."
Simpson, the No. 4 overall passer in 247Sports' Class of 2022, waited his turn behind Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe , the latter of whom won Super Bowl LX with the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.
Ty Simpson, Alabama Athletics
Penn State's Drew Allar was the top-rated signal-caller in Simpson's crop, while Clemson's Cade Klubnik followed behind. Both are also prospects in this draft.
Simpson led the SEC with 305 completions this past season while also passing for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions.
NFL.com gives Simpson a 6.35 prospect grade, which means he will eventually be a "plus starter," between average and good.
"Simpson is mechanically sound from a footwork and release perspective, providing a favorable foundation to work from," Lance Zierlein wrote in a scouting report comparing Simpson to the San Francisco 49ers ' Mac Jones . "He's above average as a processor and decision-maker, but timing and anticipation remain works in progress. Arm talent and velocity are average, which limits his success."
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (No. 1 overall, Las Vegas Raiders ) was the only passer selected before Simpson in Renner's projection. Washington receiver Denzel Boston, who has been a Steelers addition in other mock drafts, went No. 24 to the division rival Cleveland Browns . Texas A&M wideout KC Concepcion, another possible Pittsburgh target, was taken at No. 26 by the Buffalo Bills .
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Steelers Make Potentially Risky QB Pick in 2026 NFL Draft Mock-Up
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