ESPN's Draft Day Predictor gives Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson an 11.5 percent chance of being the Pittsburgh Steelers' first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. The model ranks several prospects as potential selections for the team. Pittsburgh trails other teams slightly for the top candidate.
ESPN released its annual Draft Day Predictor, which estimates the likelihood of top prospects landing with specific teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers. The model assigns the highest probability to Ty Simpson, the quarterback from Alabama, at 11.5 percent for Pittsburgh's first-round selection. Steelers officials have shown limited interest, with no decision-makers attending his Pro Day and no visit scheduled, according to the analysis of the model's outputs reported by Steelers Depot on April 4, 2026. Dillon Thieneman, a safety from Oregon, follows at 7.5 percent. He offers versatility, having played both deep safety and near the line. Omar Cooper Jr., wide receiver from Indiana, sits at 6 percent and has a prior connection to Pittsburgh's new wide receivers coach Adam Henry from 2022. Other notable probabilities include Kadyn Proctor, offensive lineman from Alabama, at 6 percent; Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, safety from Toledo, at 5.75 percent; Avieon Terrell, cornerback from Clemson, at 5.5 percent; and Vega Ioane, offensive guard from Penn State, at 4.5 percent. Pittsburgh ranks second for Simpson behind the New York Jets, third for Thieneman and Cooper behind the Minnesota Vikings and Carolina Panthers, and competitively for others. The predictions highlight the Steelers' needs at quarterback and safety, though the team has not hosted top candidates for pre-draft visits. Analysts note such models blend data with uncertainty, advising caution in draft projections.