The 2026 NFL Draft class doesn\u2019t have the quarterback goods. That\u2019s the common belief around the NFL, with this class likely to see only a pair of passers selected in the Top 50 (and potentially even the Top 75) selections. Count the PPG\u2019s Ray Fittipaldo among those skeptical that this QB group is worth the Pittsburgh Steelers\u2019 consideration at any point.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think Mendoza\u2019s gonna be a good player,\u201d Fittipaldo said on 93.7 The Fan on Monday.<\/a> \u201cI don\u2019t know that he\u2019s gonna be an elite quarterback. I think he\u2019ll be good. But these other guys that you\u2019re talking about. The Ty Simpsons, the kid from North Dakota State, a bunch of like third, fourth, and fifth rounders. Guys who could develop into backups or maybe low-level starters.\u201d<\/p>\n Mendoza is head-and-shoulders the top quarterback of the class, but even he isn\u2019t as elite as other No. 1 overall picks. Our own grade reflects that. We stamped Mendoza with an 8.8<\/a>, shy of All-Pro status, with Ty Simpson the next-closest at 8.4. No quarterback received the grade that Joe Burrow, Trevor Lawrence, or Andrew Luck would\u2019ve received.<\/p>\n Most have serious questions. Simpson is undersized and lacks starting experience. LSU\u2019s Garrett Nussmeier had a down 2025 marred by injury. Similar things can be said for Penn State\u2019s Drew Allar. Cole Payton, the \u201ckid from North Dakota State\u201d Fittipaldo referenced, is a major project from a small school. Miami (FL)\u2019s Carson Beck saw career and physical regression after tearing his UCL. Arkansas\u2019 Taylen Green needs plenty of coaching despite plenty of college starts.<\/p>\n There is no obvious answer to solve Pittsburgh\u2019s problems. Fittipaldo thinks the team should punt and focus elsewhere.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy take a chance on a guy like that when you can fill out your roster?\u201d he said. \u201cAnd then when you are in position, when you are a quarterback away, maybe you hit the ground running, and you hit on that guy. And then boom, you\u2019re in the Super Bowl window.\u201d<\/p>\n