The Associated Press Quarterback Ty Simpson throws in passing drills during Alabama's NFL football pro day, Wednesday, March 25 in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

The following is the seventh of seven Pittsburgh Steelers position-by-position analyses for the 2026 NFL Draft, which begins Thursday in Pittsburgh:

QUARTERBACKS

Current roster: Mason Rudolph, Will Howard

Last five drafts: Kenny Pickett (first round, 2022) went 14-10 as a Steelers starter in two seasons but was quickly traded away and enters this season with the Carolina Panthers. Chris Oladokun (seventh round, 2022) never played for the Steelers but has been with the Kansas City Chiefs since, starting two games last year when Patrick Mahomes got hurt. Howard (sixth round, 2025) was injured in the preseason and saw no game action his rookie season.

Top quarterbacks available: Fernando Mendoza, Indiana; Ty Simpson, Alabama; Garrett Nussmeier, LSU; Drew Allar, Penn State; Carson Beck, Miami

PSU/Pitt/WVU players: Allar is projected as a third- or fourth-round pick, but the way quarterbacks come off the board, he could rise into the second round.

Possible Steelers picks: Simpson; Nussmeier; Allar; Beck; Cole Payton, North Dakota State; Taylen Green, Arkansas

Analysis: Whether or not Aaron Rodgers comes back for another season, the Steelers need to select a quarterback in this draft. With Mendoza headed to Las Vegas with the first pick, the attention will turn to Simpson. He might be available at pick No. 21 for the Steelers, but is he worth the selection at that spot? (Remember, the Steelers passed up on Jaxson Dart at No. 21 last year). New Steelers coach Mike McCarthy has strong ties to Nussmeier, whose dad, Doug, was his quarterbacks coach in Dallas. The Steelers also had Allar, Beck, Payton and Green at their facilities for official visits. So, if they pass on Simpson, they might have to go for Nussmeier or Allar in the second round with the No. 53 overall pick or go after one of the others in the third round. They need another young arm to compete with Howard, both this year — whether as a backup or starter — and in the future.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Current roster: Chris Boswell, kicker; Cameron Johnston, punter; Christian Kuntz, long snapper; Cal Adomitis, long snapper

Last five drafts: Pressley Harvin III (seventh round, 2021) punted three years for the Steelers and never justified his draft selection.

Top special teams players available: Kickers–Trey Smack, Florida; Drew Stevens, Iowa; Dominic Zvada, Michigan. Punters–Brett Thorson, Georgia; Ryan Eckley, Michigan State; Jack Stonehouse, Syracuse. Long snappers–Beau Gardner, Georgia; Tyler Duzansky, Penn State; Garrison Grimes, BYU

PSU/Pitt/WVU players: Duzansky is considered one of the top long snapping prospects, but that position rarely gets drafted.

Possible Steelers picks: A punter in the seventh round.

Analysis: The Steelers created a two-man battle at long snapper by signing Adomitis to compete with Kuntz, and they’ll bring in an undrafted free agent kicker to work alongside Boswell. However, they could make a commitment by drafting a punter with one of their three seventh-round picks. Johnston was with the Steelers two years ago for two games before having his season ended by injury. He’s back after punting in just four NFL games last year, so they need another punter in training camp as insurance. If the Steelers don’t draft a punter, they’ll need to try and sign one of the top remaining undrafted ones.