Steelers Select Alabama Quarterback With The 21st Overall Pick In Latest Mock Draft

With reports indicating that Aaron Rodgers is unlikely to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers next season, the organization once again finds itself searching for its first true franchise quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger. Although the upcoming quarterback draft class may not offer the most compelling slate of prospects, one analyst projects the Steelers to address the position early.

In a collaborative mock draft for atozsports.com, analysts Travis May, Kyle Crabbs, and Ryan Roberts project Pittsburgh to select Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 21st overall pick. Earlier in the process, Simpson was widely expected to return to the Crimson Tide for another season; however, his decision to declare for this year’s draft now presents the Steelers with a potential opportunity to secure their next franchise quarterback.

Despite some reservations due to his developmental needs, writer Rob Gregson acknowledged that this projection could change in future mock drafts. For now, he believes Simpson may be the most NFL‑ready option available to a team like the Steelers.

"For the first time in nearly two decades, the Pittsburgh Steelers are dealing with more questions than answers. With voids at the quarterback and head coach position, I wouldn’t be surprised if this pick changes multiple times between now and April, but I believe Simpson showed enough flashes for a quarterback-needy team like Pittsburgh to take a shot on him."

This past season with the Crimson Tide, Simpson posted career‑best numbers, throwing for 3,567 yards on 305 completions with 28 touchdowns and only five interceptions. However, his performance against the Indiana Hoosiers in this year’s quarterfinals raised concerns among evaluators about his readiness for the NFL.

The Steelers last selected a quarterback in the first round in 2022, drafting Kenny Pickett out of the University of Pittsburgh. After two underwhelming seasons, Pickett was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles on March 16, 2024. Pittsburgh later used the acquired third‑round pick to select linebacker Payton Wilson and one of the seventh‑round picks to draft cornerback Donte Kent in last year’s NFL Draft.