The 2026 NFL Draft is vastly approaching for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who will have more picks than any other team in this year’s draft.
The Steelers are coming into this year’s draft with 12 total picks, starting with the No. 21 overall pick in the first round. However, it’s that selection that has been much debated leading into the event.
Could Pittsburgh use its draft capital to move up, or would it consider a trade down? If they stay at No. 21 and Alabama’s Ty Simpson is there, do they pick him, regardless of whether Aaron Rodgers returns or not?
ESPN’s Ben Solak admits that he would want the Steelers to select Simpson.
“I’ve advocated for the Steelers to take Ty Simpson at No. 21 to prepare for life after Aaron Rodgers (if he’s back), but that looks increasingly unlikely,” Solak said.
Solak makes it clear the Steelers have several pressing needs beyond quarterback.
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Steelers Told To Get Younger In Key Areas Of Roster
Solak doesn’t hide from the fact that the Steelers need to get younger, starting with this year’s draft.
“The Steelers are old. By snap-weighted age, only the Commanders were older last season,” Solak said. “Having a 41-year-old quarterback certainly tilts things in that direction, but the Steelers’ defense also was the fourth oldest because of players such as Cameron Heyward, T.J. Watt and Jalen Ramsey.”
Starting with the defensive line, the additions of pass rusher Jack Sawyer and defensive tackles Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black were supposed to help alleviate those concerns. But Solak isn’t convinced just yet, saying Pittsburgh “shouldn’t pass on either position if the board falls their way.”
Sawyer appeared in all 17 games for the Steelers last season, starting just one, recording two interceptions, four pass deflections, one sack, three tackles for loss and six QB hits.
Harmon made eight starts in 12 appearances, posting one pass deflection, one fumble recovery, three sacks and five QB hits.
Black appeared in all 17 games, making three starts with one pass deflection, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one QB hit.
As for the secondary, the Steelers aren’t exactly youthful there either. Ramsey is 31, DeShon Elliott is 29 and free-agent cornerback Jamel Dean, while a welcomed addition, will be 30 this season.
Steelers Still Linked To Developmental Quarterback
Solak didn’t write off the quarterback position entirely, however. If it’s not Simpson, then there’s another quarterback who could make a whole lot of sense in LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier.
“Still, a developmental quarterback would serve their long-term roster health,” Solak said. “LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier is the son of Doug Nussmeier, who worked for Mike McCarthy in Dallas. He’s a nice scheme fit with some preexisting familiarity.”
McCarthy has been all about adding familiarity to this team since becoming the Steelers’ new head coach, bringing in several former coaches he has worked with in the past. Even though Doug may not be on staff, bringing his son in to develop would still make a lot of sense.
While Solak does offer other suggestions, like wide receiver and even offensive line, his vision for the Steelers is clear entering draft weekend.
“Bottom line: Get younger in the secondary and along the defensive line with multiple picks apiece. Get some sort of developmental quarterback on the roster.”
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