Draft analyst Todd McShay stated definitively that the Pittsburgh Steelers will not draft Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson in the first round at No. 21. He mentioned hearing the team linked to University of Georgia transfer Carson Beck, potentially in the third round. The Steelers met with both quarterbacks at the NFL Combine amid their search for a starter.
Quarterback remains the Pittsburgh Steelers' primary uncertainty heading into the NFL draft, despite recent free agency moves. Rumors had connected the team to Alabama's Ty Simpson, viewed by many as the draft's second-best quarterback prospect despite his inexperience. The Steelers held a meeting with Simpson at the Combine, indicating some interest. However, McShay dismissed first-round speculation on his podcast, saying, “It’s not Ty Simpson at 21, I can tell you that for a fact.” He also noted, “I have heard them linked with Carson Beck, so that’s just something to keep an eye on… I think Round 3 probably would be the range.” The Steelers similarly met formally with Beck at the Combine. Beck transferred to the University of Miami for his final college season, where he passed for 3,813 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions while helping the team reach the National Championship game, which they lost. Prior to that, Beck spent five years at Georgia, starting his last two seasons: 3,941 yards, 24 touchdowns, and six interceptions in 2023; 3,485 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in 2024. He has nearly 1,400 college pass attempts. The Steelers currently have Will Howard as an option under consideration.
