Overview

• ESPN analyst Jordan Reid’s latest 2026 first-round mock projects Pittsburgh selecting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson at No. 30 overall.
• Reid underscores Pittsburgh’s urgency after it waited until Round 6 to draft Will Howard in April, writing the team “can’t wait that long again.”
• Simpson has broken out in 2025 with 16 touchdown passes against one interception, with some reports noting 21 total touchdowns including rushing.
• Evaluators flag his inexperience as a concern, as all six of his career starts have come this season.
• Simpson’s draft declaration remains unresolved, while Rodgers, 41, has said he is “pretty sure” this one-year season is his last and the Steelers are 4-1.