As the Pittsburgh Steelers look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, the franchise finds itself in familiar — yet critical — territory: the search for a franchise quarterback. After years of uncertainty and stop-gap solutions post-Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers fanbase is hungry for a true leader under center. With what many analysts are calling the “deepest QB class since 2020,” Pittsburgh has its eyes on three standout prospects already dubbed with superstar nicknames: Mr. Fantastic, The Natural, and The Lonestar Kid.
This isn’t just a draft story. It’s a football romance, a franchise-defining chapter, and the start of what could be a golden era for the Black and Gold.
Mr. Fantastic: The Arm, the IQ, the Buzz
The name alone strikes intrigue. “Mr. Fantastic” refers to Tyler Westbrook, the laser-armed phenom out of USC who combines elite arm talent with a football IQ that’s sending scouts into a frenzy. At 6’4” and 225 lbs, Westbrook is as NFL-ready as they come. He’s been likened to Patrick Mahomes for his off-platform throws and innate creativity, but it’s his leadership and adaptability that have the Steelers’ war room paying close attention.
Westbrook fits what offensive coordinator Arthur Smith dreams of: a quarterback who can operate both a traditional dropback system and roll into creative zone-read action. After dazzling at the 2025 season opener against Oregon with 5 TDs and zero turnovers, the Heisman whispers began. Now, “Mr. Fantastic” isn’t just a nickname — it’s a legitimate expectation.
The Natural: Born to Lead
Next up is Jayden “The Natural” Brooks, the calm and poised field general out of Penn State. With textbook fundamentals, surgical precision, and flawless mechanics, Brooks has all the makings of a plug-and-play pro. What sets him apart? He rarely makes mistakes, even under pressure.
Dubbed “The Natural” by his teammates for how easily the game comes to him, Brooks is a throwback to old-school QB play — but with modern efficiency. In 2025, he led the Nittany Lions to an undefeated regular season, throwing for over 3,800 yards and 37 touchdowns. His maturity and game control remind many of Joe Burrow — and the Steelers brass sees the resemblance.
Mike Tomlin has always favored strong mental fortitude in quarterbacks, and Brooks may be the safest pick in the class. But is he dynamic enough to lift Pittsburgh back to Super Bowl relevance?
The Lonestar Kid: Swagger from the South
Hailing from Texas A&M, Caleb “Lonestar Kid” McCall is the wildcard — and perhaps the fan favorite. Flashy, fiery, and full of confidence, McCall is the dual-threat magician who broke records in the SEC. His ability to extend plays, improvise in the pocket, and turn broken plays into 60-yard touchdowns has drawn comparisons to Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen.
In 2025, McCall amassed over 4,500 total yards and 45 touchdowns, making him a highlight-reel darling and social media sensation. But beneath the flair lies a fierce competitor with a chip on his shoulder. The Steelers, a franchise built on grit, may see a bit of themselves in the Lonestar Kid.
However, questions linger about consistency, decision-making under pressure, and whether he can operate within the strict structure of an NFL offense. Still, his ceiling is undeniably high — perhaps the highest in the entire draft.
Final Thoughts: The Steelers’ Crossroads
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the Steelers have a golden opportunity — and a monumental decision to make. Mr. Fantastic offers the elite ceiling and arm talent, The Natural brings reliability and day-one readiness, and The Lonestar Kid delivers electricity and raw potential.
Pittsburgh fans should buckle up. The road to the next franchise quarterback is underway, and this quarterback dating game is just getting started. One of these young stars could soon wear the black and gold — and carry the torch for a new generation.
