March 22, 2026, 1:02 p.m. ET
We are only a month from the 2026 NFL draft and we still have no idea who the Pittsburgh Steelers starting quarterback will be. Most assume Aaron Rodgers will eventually relent and re-sign with Pittsburgh for another year. However, no matter what Rodgers decides to do, the Steelers cannot neglect the position in the draft when looking ahead to the future.
The 2026 quarterback class is a mixed bag. Almost every prospect in this draft, minus Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, is a projection based on potential as opposed to a strong body of work so no matter which guy on this list the Steelers might select, it’s a calculated risk.
First round – Ty Simpson – Alabama
We concede that if the Steelers want Simpson, they cannot wait until their pick in the second round to get him.
Second round – Drew Allar – Penn State
A healthy Drew Allar is a great option for a team looking for a traditional dropback quarterback with NFL traits.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Third round – Cole Payton – North Dakota State
Cole Payton is getting a ton of draft momentum this offseason and reminds some pundits as a young Josh Allen.
Fourth round – Taylen Green – Arkansas
Green is very raw as a passer but his athletic traits are too good to pass up.
Fifth round – Cade Klubnik – Clemson
2025 Klubnik was bad but 2024 Klubnik is good enough to take a flyer on.
Sixth round – Jack Strand – Minnesota State Moorehead
A relative unknown whose film is very good, Strand is a lot like Allar in his style of play and physical tools.
Seventh round – Luke Altmyer – Illinois
Altmyer doesn’t have any physical traits that stand out, but he does everything well enough and has a very high football IQ.