NFL News

Home

Teams

Quizzes

Watch

Newsletter

Power Rankings

Former exec says Steelers should 'strongly consider' taking Bama QB Ty Simpson in first round

Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson (QB17) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Former exec says Steelers should 'strongly consider' taking Bama QB Ty Simpson in first round

By Colby Colwell | Last updated Apr 16, 2026 10:13 PM ET

Add us as a preferred source on Google

With the NFL Draft now just one week away (April 23-25 in Pittsburgh), it is time for teams to start making final preparations and officially decide who they want to add to their rosters.

One player who has received a lot of attention of late is Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, who is projected to be the second QB off the board behind projected top-overall pick Fernando Mendoza.

While many do not expect the Pittsburgh Steelers to be in the running for Simpson due to his limited experience, former executive and current ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum believes the Steelers should select the Alabama QB with the 21st pick in the first round.

Mike Tannenbaum wants to see Pittsburgh draft Ty Simpson

"If I'm Pittsburgh, I've got to strongly consider him at No. 21 because look, we don't know what Aaron Rodgers is going to do," Tannenbaum said on Thursday's edition of "Get Up." "But even if he was there, he's going to be 43 in December. You have Will Howard, an unproven sixth-round pick, and Mason Rudolph, who's a very confident backup. Ty Simpson has a chance to be a good starter in the NFL. ... Go get Ty Simpson. You have a defense that's good, albeit aging, but if I'm Pittsburgh at 21, I have to take a long look at Ty Simpson."

"Ty Simpson has a chance to be a good starter in the NFL. ... Go get Ty Simpson."

—@RealTannenbaum on what the Steelers should do with their first round pick pic.twitter.com/vqHZXzXcsO
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) April 16, 2026

Between 15 collegiate starts, a smaller stature and a lack of arm strength, there is reason to believe that a huge gap could separate Mendoza and the next QB off the board.

Simpson will likely be that second signal-caller selected, but it could take some time before he hears his name called. That is not to say that he did not have a good season with the Crimson Tide and showed a lot of upside for teams to consider.

He passed for 3,567 yards, 28 TDs and only five interceptions last season with Alabama. Simpson is not the most versatile QB after only rushing for 93 yards and two TDs in 2025, but his physicality and competitiveness indicate a player who could be a steal in the draft for the team that is willing to take that chance.

Ty Simpson could hear his name called in the first round

If he slides out of the first round, the New York Jets are a team that could take a flier on him and let him develop in the league. While the Arizona Cardinals could move up from their 34th overall pick and take Simpson late in the first round, it sounds like there is an increasing chance that a needy team goes after him in the first round.

As the Steelers await an answer from Rodgers, it would not be the worst decision to add some more depth at the position. Rudolph has a lot of backup experience, but has only appeared in 10 games once in a season. Howard, meanwhile, is coming off his rookie season.

Simpson may not possess all the traits that most look for in a QB. However, given Pittsburgh's current situation and its positioning in the first round of the draft, Simpson could be there for the taking if the Steelers really want him.

Colby Colwell

Colby Colwell is a freelance contributor with a bachelor’s in Computer & Information Technology and a minor in Psychology from Western Kentucky University. With a deep passion for sports, especially NASCAR, he offers his substantial knowledge along with his adept writing skills. When he’s not writing, Colby enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with his family

More must-reads: