Colin Cowherd highlighted Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson's decision to attend the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, calling it interesting for the quarterback-needy Steelers. Simpson is one of 16 players invited, signaling NFL expectations for a first-round selection. Top prospect Fernando Mendoza will skip the event.
The 2026 NFL Draft is set for Pittsburgh, a fitting location as the Steelers search for their franchise quarterback. Expectations for this year's quarterback class have shifted, with most top prospects returning to school or projected for later rounds. Fernando Mendoza remains a lock for the No. 1 overall pick but opted to stay in Miami with family rather than attend in person, leaving Simpson as the primary quarterback presence on draft night. > Ty Simpson is among sixteen players who will attend the draft in Pittsburgh. Isn’t that interesting? Pittsburgh needs a quarterback and generally, if they’re inviting you to the draft, that means the NFL thinks Ty Simpson is going to go in the first round. And I do too. Cowherd said on The Herd. Simpson's invitation underscores the league's confidence in his first-round status, avoiding a potentially awkward wait like Will Levis experienced. For the Steelers and other teams, the debate centers on Simpson's value amid positional scarcity, with some eyeing the deeper 2027 quarterback class instead.
