Mel Kiper predicts surprise landing spot for Ty Simpson in latest mock draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a number of different positions they could address heading into free agency and the 2026 NFL draft.

Wide receiver, secondary, and offensive line come to mind, but some draft experts feel the team will zero in on a quarterback.

Recent reports indicate QB Aaron Rodgers is leaning toward returning in 2026 after the hire of head coach Mike McCarthy, who won a Super Bowl with Rodgers in Green Bay.

But just because Rodgers will be back for one more season, that doesn’t mean the Steelers shouldn’t plan for his eventual exit, which is why ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. believes Pittsburgh will use its 21st overall pick in April’s draft to snag Alabama Crimson Tide QB Ty Simpson.

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“The Steelers have to think about the QB position with a longer-view lens,” Kiper wrote. “They could bring back Aaron Rodgers or opt for another veteran stopgap to keep them in contention next season, but even if they go that route, they should still address their future at the position.

“Simpson has just 15 starts to his name, and his 2025 season was uneven, but his game has a lot of promise. He navigates the pocket well and threw 28 touchdown passes to just five interceptions last season. Pittsburgh could let him learn behind a veteran for a little while before turning the offense over to him.”

Other draft experts don’t think Simpson will last until the 20s.

Several QB-needy teams — the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins, and Minnesota Vikings — could grab him before the Steelers are on the clock. The Los Angeles Rams are also a wild card.

They hold the No. 13 pick, and they could use it to select Simpson to groom behind Matthew Stafford, who many believe could also retire after next season.