The NFL Draft is a time of anticipation and speculation, especially for teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are in dire need of a quarterback. With the 2026 NFL Draft just around the corner, the Steelers find themselves in a peculiar situation. On one hand, they have the promising Will Howard, a second-year pro who missed most of his rookie season due to injury. On the other, they have the intriguing possibility of drafting a quarterback in the first round, with names like Alabama's Ty Simpson and North Dakota State's Cole Payton being thrown around. But what makes this scenario particularly fascinating is the potential for the Steelers to upgrade their quarterback position without necessarily drafting a high-profile prospect.
ESPN analyst Louis Riddick has sparked an interesting debate by suggesting that the Steelers should consider drafting a quarterback in the mid-rounds, and that both Carson Beck and Garrett Nussmeier could be better options than Howard. In my opinion, this is a bold statement, and one that warrants further exploration. What makes this debate so compelling is the Steelers' current situation. With a new head coach in Mike McCarthy and a need for a long-term franchise quarterback, the Steelers are in a position where they can afford to be patient and selective.
One thing that immediately stands out is the Steelers' praise for Howard, who was selected in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. While Howard has shown promise, the fact that he missed most of his rookie season due to injury raises questions about his long-term viability. This is where the idea of drafting a quarterback in the mid-rounds comes into play. By drafting Beck or Nussmeier, the Steelers could potentially find a quarterback who is further along in his development and has more experience under his belt. This is especially intriguing given the fact that both Beck and Nussmeier have started more than 40 games in college, which is a significant advantage over Howard.
What many people don't realize is that the Steelers' current situation is a delicate balance between patience and urgency. While they need a quarterback, they also need to ensure that they are making the right decision for the long term. This is where the idea of drafting a quarterback in the mid-rounds becomes even more compelling. By drafting Beck or Nussmeier, the Steelers could potentially find a quarterback who is ready to contribute immediately, while also having the potential to develop into a long-term solution. This is a win-win situation, as it allows the Steelers to address their immediate need while also planning for the future.
However, it's important to note that the Steelers' decision will ultimately depend on their evaluation of Howard and the other quarterbacks available in the draft. While Riddick believes that Beck and Nussmeier are better options, the Steelers will need to conduct a thorough analysis of each prospect to determine who is the best fit for their team. This raises a deeper question: how do the Steelers define success at the quarterback position? Is it simply finding a quarterback who can lead the team to the playoffs, or is it finding a quarterback who can build a legacy and lead the team to sustained success?
In my opinion, the Steelers' decision will ultimately come down to their evaluation of Howard and the other quarterbacks available in the draft. While Riddick's suggestion of drafting a quarterback in the mid-rounds is an intriguing idea, it will ultimately be up to the Steelers to determine whether or not it is the right move. One thing is certain: the Steelers are in a position where they can afford to be patient and selective, and that is a good thing. As they prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft, the Steelers will need to make a decision that best serves their team's long-term interests. Only time will tell whether or not they will draft a quarterback in the mid-rounds, but one thing is certain: the Steelers are in a position to make a significant impact on the NFL landscape.
