Steelers have a chance to make Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft very interesting following the release of prospect attendees
The NFL has released who will be attending the 2026 NFL Draft, and the Pittsburgh Steelers have a chance to make things very interesting with one potential candidate in Round 1.
In a little over a week, the Pittsburgh Steelers will be on the clock. Whether they stick and pick at 21, or use an array of their 12 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft alongside next year’s capital to move up, remains to be seen.
What we know for a fact, however, is who will be attending the draft in terms of prospects, and while the presumptive number one overall pick won’t be in attendance, another quarterback will be, and it could create quite the spectacle in Pittsburgh.
Alabama QB Ty Simpson among prospects attending 2026 NFL Draft
Here’s what matters with Simpson attending the draft. Let’s say the Steelers do sit at 21, and let’s say they don’t draft Simpson. Well, there is a good chance that he falls out of round one entirely at that point, because the teams picking behind Pittsburgh don’t need a quarterback.
Of course, a team could always trade back into the first round, similar to the Giants and Jaxson Dart last year, but talk about waiting on pins and needles. So now we get to the wildcard in the Steelers’ decision: Aaron Rodgers.
How Aaron Rodgers could affect what the Steelers do at 21, or even sooner
As of publish time, there is no word from Rodgers or the Steelers on his future. Adam Schefter appeared on the Pat McAfee Show on Monday, and as he stated, the Steelers were hoping for an answer from Rodgers 30 days after their season ended. No dice. Then they were hoping for one by Mid-March…still nothing.
Most recently, Steelers owner and team president Art Rooney said that he hoped to hear from Rodgers prior to the NFL Draft, whether he wanted to stay or go. And why would that be? Oh, I don’t know, maybe because the Steelers might be considering drafting a quarterback.
Which, evidenced by their visits as recently as Monday, and the words from Mike McCarthy at the league meetings, quarterback is a position to watch for Pittsburgh, it’s just when it happens, not if it happens.
And that may be with or without Aaron Rodgers.
