Ty Simpson
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ESPN's Peter Schrager predicted the Pittsburgh Steelers to target an edge rusher with Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson still on the board in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
One of the biggest questions of the entire 2026 NFL Draft is where Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson will land. In his first round 2026 NFL mock draft, ESPN’s Peter Schrager didn’t see Simpson landing with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Instead, Schrager projected the Steelers to target a prospect at one of the team’s deepest positions.
At No. 21 overall, Schrager predicted Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker to land with Pittsburgh.
“Alabama’s Ty Simpson is still available, but I’m expecting Aaron Rodgers to return to Pittsburgh for another season,” Schrager wrote. “On defense, the Steelers started getting younger along the line with the Derrick Harmon pick a year ago, and I wouldn’t think they’re done there.
“Parker has played a big role on the Clemson defense since his true freshman season, with 21.5 sacks over his three years there.”
Parker is coming off a more subdued 2025 statistical campaign after a significant breakout 2024.
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah ranked Parker as the No. 24 overall prospect on his most recent NFL draft big board.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. rated Parker the No. 5 defensive end in the class. Kiper didn’t include Parker among his top 25 prospects.
Steelers Predicted to Draft Clemson Edge Rusher T.J. Parker
T.J. Parker
GettyESPN’s Peter Schrager predicted Clemson’s T.J. Parker to land with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2026 NFL Draft.
It wouldn’t be shocking if the Steelers pass on the opportunity to add Simpson. Schrager is one of many insiders that don’t see Pittsburgh targeting the Alabama signal-caller if Aaron Rodgers returns.
The Steelers don’t have an answer yet from Rodgers on the 2026 campaign. That is a potential problem if the team still hasn’t heard from the quarterback before April 23.
But the expectation is Rodgers will play in Pittsburgh next season. The team already has quarterbacks Mason Rudolph and Will Howard on the roster.
It’s more surprising, though, that Schrager sees the Steelers drafting an edge rusher.
The defensive line depth remains a need in Pittsburgh even after the Derrick Harmon selection last year. But the Steelers already have T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer along the edge.
If general manager Omar Khan targeted Parker, though, perhaps the Steelers could use the Clemson product in multiple spots along the line. Jeremiah complimented the Clemson edge rusher for his ability to play the edge and interior defensive line.
“Parker is an intriguing edge rusher with the versatility to slide inside,” wrote Jeremiah. “Overall, Parker wasn’t quite as impactful in 2025, which ultimately could lead to a real value selection for his drafting team, but he did help himself with a strong week at the Senior Bowl.”
In 2024, Parker posted 11 sacks with 19.5 tackles for loss and six forced fumbles. Last season, he had five sacks, 9.5 tackles for loss and zero forced fumbles.
The Steelers could also add Parker anticipating Herbig’s potential departure in NFL free agency next spring.
Where Will Alabama’s Ty Simpson Land in 2026 NFL Draft?
Ty Simpson
GettyESPN’s Peter Schrager predicted the Pittsburgh Steelers to target an edge rusher with Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson still on the board in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Mock draft experts are split on where Simpson might land in the 2026 NFL Draft.
There’s been a growing narrative over the past couple weeks that Simpson won’t be available at No. 21 overall for the Steelers. If he is, though, some pundits don’t see him falling further than No. 21.
However, Schrager had the Alabama quarterback dropping out of the first round. The only quarterback the ESPN analyst predicted to be a first-round pick this year was Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza.
In the NFL Draft, anything is possible. But if Simpson slips past the Steelers, it will be interesting to see if there are teams trying to get back into the first round to select the Alabama quarterback. That happened for other borderline first-round quarterback prospects such as Lamar Jackson and Teddy Bridgewater.
Trading up into the late first round will allow a team to still land Simpson on a contract with a fifth-year option.