The 2026 quarterback room remains a mystery for the Pittsburgh Steelers. With Aaron Rodgers still undecided on whether he’ll play another season, the Steelers know they should prepare for the future even if the veteran is back. The first round of the draft is unlikely to provide answers, but there’s space for a flyer in the subsequent days.
Why the Steelers Could Draft QB Cole Payton in the Second Round
The Steelers have Will Howard and Mason Rudolph on the roster. Currently, neither option inspires confidence to establish himself as the starting quarterback. Even if Rodgers returns, there are no plans for the future. And the 2026 quarterback class is weak.
As such, a recent three-round mock draft written by PFSN’s Ryan Guthrie has the Steelers surprisingly going after North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton with the 53rd overall pick:
“The Steelers look to add competition and depth to the quarterback room under new head coach Mike McCarthy by targeting Cole Payton, a Bison product generating buzz after a visit to the team. A potential Round 2 selection, Payton gives the Steelers a physically gifted prospect to develop behind the current roster.
“Payton finished 2025 with the second-highest PFSN CFB QB Impact score in the FCS at 89.7, showcasing the kind of athletic tools that immediately stand out. At 6-foot-3, 233 pounds, he combines a well-built frame with elite explosiveness, long speed, and a rocket arm capable of generating velocity from multiple launch points.”
Rudolph was a third-round pick by the Steelers in 2018, while Howard was taken in the sixth round of the previous draft. Since Ben Roethlisberger retired, the position has been a problem for the franchise, which finally switched to an offensive-minded head coach after Mike Tomlin’s tenure ended.
Guthrie recognizes that, if drafted, Payton wouldn’t be ready to start right away. But he mentions his tools as a reason that the Steelers should consider using a second-round pick on him.
“While he has just one year of starting experience and is still refining his processing and in-game reads, Payton’s physical upside makes him a compelling developmental option. For McCarthy and Pittsburgh, he brings competition, intrigue, and the potential to develop into a dynamic playmaker.”
BE AN NFL GM: PFSN’s Ultimate GM Simulator
Pairing Payton’s draft with a final season for Rodgers would represent the perfect scenario for the franchise. They could allow him to learn and develop alongside the veteran as he handles the position for one more season. Rodgers spent the majority of his career under McCarthy’s leadership, with the duo intertwined for over a decade with the Green Bay Packers.
Payton had only one year as a starter for North Dakota State, but he was widely used as a runner. He finished his college career with 21 passing touchdowns and 31 rushing touchdowns.
