ESPN urges Steelers to go in one key direction in NFL Draft

ESPN urges Steelers to go in one key direction in NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Mike McCarthy era for the Pittsburgh Steelers is going to be an interesting watch, particularly during the NFL Draft.

How will McCarthy approach it?

First of all, what Aaron Rodgers does will be key, and secondly, will McCarthy want to start his tenure fresh at quarterback?

ESPN's Mike Tannenbaum thinks that the Steelers shouldn't entertain Rodgers in 2026, instead stating McCarthy should get his own quarterback to kick off 2026 with.

"Mike McCarthy is a first-time head coach in Pittsburgh, go get your own quarterback, go get Ty Simpson, much better prospect than when they took Kenny Pickett at 20," Tannenbaum said on ESPN's GetUp.

More:Analyst reveals Steelers draft selection that makes sense

Steelers and Simpson rumors won't go away

Usually, where there's smoke, there's fire, and for the past week, the rumors and mock drafts of having the Steelers take Simpson are gathering steam.

So, it feels like Pittsburgh taking a quarterback could be a real possibility.

Some think taking Simpson in the first round is considered a reach; others think he is first-round worthy, so how the Steelers see Simpson on draft night will be interesting.

With Will Howard and Mason Rudolph on the roster as well, could McCarthy add another young quarterback to the competition?

Tannenbaum thinks so.

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