Tomorrow marks the first round of the NFL draft at Pittsburgh’s North Shore, and here are three picks that fans and newcomers should look out for
Fernando Mendoza (QB – Indiana) to Las Vegas Raiders and Number 1 pick
An easy start to this list, but Fernando Mendoza has made it easy for fans and journalists alike to make the call that he will be the first pick of this years NFL Draft and heading to Vegas under the guidance of Tom Brady.
The Miami native comes in at 6 foot 4 inches and just over 100kg with an impeccable throwing arm that was on show all season.
He played the starring role of what was probably the most incredible stories in College Football history, with the Indiana Hoosiers defying not only the odds but CFB history to win the National Championship.
He led College Football with 41 touchdowns and a Quarterback rating of 90.3. His ability to take control of the game against teams like Ohio State, Oregon and Miami make him a fit at number one, but also at a organisation that has struggled for QBs in recent years.
His ability to escape and either throw from the pocket or run for a first make him a one-of-a-kind talent and IU fans will be hoping he can carry his success into the NFL.
Jeremiyah Love (RB – Notre Dame) to head to the desert, and help a struggling Arizona Cardinals at Pick 3
There is no doubt that picks three, four and five have legitimate cases of drafting Love to help bolster their rosters. The Tennessee Titans could use a strong threat out the backfield to back up a young Cam Ward at Quarterback, and the New York Giants could pick the Running Back to create a deadly one-two punch with Cam Skatteboo to bolster a struggling franchise.
But there is a high possibility (and also risk) for the Arizona Cardinals to go with Love. The Cardinals need a core group of players, and there’s no better place to start than a Running Back with talents that don’t come around every so often
There is a risk as mentioned, is the lack of a strong Quarterback that will last them for the foreseeable future. Jacoby Brissett already has an uncertain future with the organisation.
Chances are they’re going a new QB likely coming from trades, or unless they go for Ty Simpson at three. With a talent as good as love, new Head Coach Mike LaFleur and co should be picking up this Running Back with raw pace and power.
Ty Simpson (QB – Alabama) to play understudy to Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh
Steelers fans will be hoping for a big and strong draft class in 2026, with a home draft and the first under new Head Coach Mike McCarthy taking over from the much loved Mike Tomlin.
And there is still uncertainty if Quarterback Aaron Rodgers will return to play another season in 2026. However, there is a good chance Aaron won’t pass up another chance to work with McCarthy, who was Head Coach in Green Bay for theirs and Aaron’s Super Bowl win against the Steelers in 2011
This may be a great chance for Pittsburgh to pick a QB for the future in Alabama’s Ty Simpson, who could be a great addition to watch and learn behind a guaranteed first ballot Hall of Famer in Rodgers.
Simpson had a solid season in Alabama, leading a weaker Crimson Tide to those we’ve seen to the SEC Championship and the Rose Bowl, where they’d fall against Mendoza and eventual National Champions Indiana.
For sure, Simpson has benefited from players such as Dante Moore electing to stay in the CFB for another season, but Simpson is still a very capable pick for any team. In a weaker QB class than other years, he could be a great pick at 21.
