With the 2026 NFL Draft quickly approaching, conversations have not slowed regarding who the Pittsburgh Steelers will select with the 21st overall pick.

Analysts and fans alike are interested to see what the team does with it, being the first year under Mike McCarthy.

However, as an offensive-minded head coach, people immediately guess that Pittsburgh could be selecting No. 8 Aaron Rodgers’ replacement at the quarterback position.

Uncertainty remains on whether Rodgers will return, and if McCarthy isn’t sold on No. 18 Will Howard, then it would be fair to assume Pittsburgh is looking for its new face of the franchise.

Many names have been thrown around, including Carson Beck, Drew Allar, and, most notably, Ty Simpson from the University of Alabama.

Throwing for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns during his time in Alabama, Simpson guided the team to a (10-3) record and went to the quarterfinals of the CFP Rose Bowl.

Sticking with the offense, many wonder whether Pittsburgh should take a player to protect the quarterback up front.

Especially if Rodgers were to return, powerhouses like Monroe Freeling and Olaivavega Ioane would become very useful.

Or even Gennings Dunker out of the University of Iowa, who has been discussed about heading to Pittsburgh.

Being compared to someone who could be his new teammate in No. 66, Mason McCormick at the NFL Combine, Dunker has the potential to be a major contributor for the team.

Although some would argue the positions mentioned are ones in need, most have concluded Pittsburgh will be looking at the wide receiver spot in the first round.

Whether it’s Denzel Boston, K.C. Concepcion, or Makai Lemon, numerous receivers have been brought up in recent months.

Whoever it may be, they would be joining No. 4 D.K. Metcalf and No. 11 Michael Pittman Jr. to create one of the most imposing receiving corps in the NFL.

Taking Metcalf’s age into account, this wide receiver could have a very quick rise up the depth chart.

Nevertheless, one thing is certain: Pittsburgh’s 2026 NFL Draft class will be one of the team’s most important in a long time.

As the draft approaches, fans will be crossing their fingers that this year’s rookie will boom, rather than bust.