Steelers Seek 'AFC North-Style' QB in Draft

Pittsburgh looks to find a quarterback who can thrive in cold weather conditions.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:03pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football game or quarterback action, with the scene broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes, conveying the complexity and intensity of the sport.The Steelers' search for a quarterback who can thrive in the AFC North's harsh winter conditions is a crucial strategic decision for the franchise.Today in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers and new head coach Mike McCarthy are focused on finding an 'AFC North-style' quarterback in the upcoming NFL Draft, prioritizing players who can perform well in cold weather. Penn State's Drew Allar and Tennessee's Ty Simpson are two prospects the team is considering, each with unique strengths and potential fits for the Steelers' needs.

Why it matters

The Steelers' search for their next franchise quarterback is a critical decision that will shape the team's future. With the weather often a factor in the AFC North, finding a QB who can excel in cold conditions is a key priority for the organization.

The details

The Steelers are interested in Penn State's Drew Allar, who has impressive physical attributes like large hands and long arms, but also faced inconsistency in big games during college. Tennessee's Ty Simpson, the son of a coach, is another prospect the team is considering, though he doesn't necessarily fit the 'AFC North' mold physically.

  • The 2023 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 27-29.

The players

Drew Allar

A former quarterback at Penn State, Allar is known for his strong arm and physical tools, but faced inconsistency in big games during his college career.

Ty Simpson

A quarterback prospect from the University of Tennessee, Simpson comes from a coaching background and is praised for his understanding of the game, though he may not fit the 'AFC North' physical profile.

Mike McCarthy

The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, McCarthy is leading the team's search for their next franchise quarterback with a focus on finding a player who can thrive in cold weather conditions.

Mel Kiper

An ESPN draft analyst who has provided analysis on the Steelers' quarterback options, including praise for Allar's arm strength but also caution about his inconsistent college performances.

Daniel Jeremiah

An NFL Network analyst who has highlighted the importance of teams getting comfortable with Ty Simpson's limited number of college starts and his ability to understand the game.

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What they’re saying

“There's a lot to work with, but he could also be a disappointment.”

— Mel Kiper, ESPN Draft Analyst

“The key is going to be how comfortable teams get with the limited number of starts and his ability to process the game.”

— Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network Analyst

What’s next

The Steelers will continue to evaluate their options at quarterback leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft, where they will make a crucial decision on who will lead their franchise into the future.

The takeaway

The Steelers' search for a quarterback who can thrive in the cold, windy conditions of the AFC North highlights the importance of finding the right fit for a team's specific needs and playing environment. Their approach to this draft could set the tone for the team's success in the years to come.