Pittsburgh Steelers are prime candidates to select a diamond in the rough at quarterback during the 2026 NFL Draft
We know that the Steelers want to, and intend to draft a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft. Here is a diamond in the rough that would make sense.
It’s not a matter of if, but when the Pittsburgh Steelers select a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft. Mike McCarthy confirmed as much at the annual league meetings in Phoenix, Arizona, a few weeks back, and look no further than some of the prospects who are visiting Pittsburgh this week as evidence of the Steelers’ interest in signal callers.
Only, it doesn’t feel like the Steelers will use high draft capital on a quarterback. You never know how the draft will play out, so you can’t rule out Ty Simpson, but later round swings feel more appropriate, and there is one name who fits the diamond in the rough category, and makes a lot of sense in Pittsburgh.
Steelers diamond in the rough at QB: Luke Altmyer, Illinois
“I’ve had a lot of people reaching out to me since the combine, on him,” Illinois coach Bret Bielema told ESPN. “Being in that league for three years, everybody’s going to pay that premier guy $150 million. But they need that next guy, in case things don’t work out from an injury standpoint, or emergency substitution.”
“Luke prepares so well every week, I think he’ll be a guy that’s drafted in the league as a quality backup. Really, really good arm talent. He’s got that ability to create with his legs. If you get two first downs every game by creating first downs with your legs, that’s a really, really big deal.”
Where the Steelers should consider drafting Altmyer
To me, Altmyer is a day three pick, probably 5th round or later. He’s more than a camp arm, as an experienced and solid college quarterback. The truth is, I’m not sure he projects to be better than Will Howard.
Of course, we don’t know who Will Howard is yet, either, but Altmyer has a lot more Brock Purdy to him than he does Will Howard in terms of skillset. I say get him, or whoever else, into camp, and let them compete against Howard, and let the chips fall where they may.