Full Breakdown
Steelers Select Drew Allar in Third Round Amid Quarterback Uncertainty
4/25/2026, 8:28:35 PM
Draft Selection Details
On April 25, 2026, the Pittsburgh Steelers used the 76th overall pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft to select Penn State quarterback Drew Allar. The pick was made during Day Two of a draft hosted by Pittsburgh.
Quarterback Situation Before the Pick
The Steelers entered the draft with no confirmed decision from four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers on a second year, while veteran backup Mason Rudolph and 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard occupied the depth chart. Owner Art Rooney II had said a decision was expected before the draft, and GM Omar Khan said “all options are on the table.”
Allar’s College Profile
Allar, a 6-foot-5, 228-pound right-hander from Medina, Ohio, finished his Penn State career with 7,402 passing yards, 61 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 45 games, plus 732 rushing yards and 12 rushing scores. He earned All-Big Ten honorable-mention in 2024 and missed the latter half of 2025 after a broken left ankle.
Strategic Implications for Pittsburgh
By adding Allar, Pittsburgh gains a prototypical AFC-North quarterback with big hands and a strong arm, providing insurance if Rodgers declines and creating competition for Howard’s emerging role. The move also signals that the team is not fully committed to Howard as the sole successor to Roethlisberger. The selection also preserves roster flexibility, as the team could move Rudolph if Howard or Allar secure the backup role.
Official Statements & Responses
Quarterbacks coach Tom Arth said the Allar selection “won’t have any impact on Aaron” and highlighted Allar’s size, hands and arm. Defensive lineman Cam Heyward asked fans to “be patient” as the team evaluates its two current QBs. GM Omar Khan reiterated that “all options are on the table,” while owner Art Rooney II said a Rodgers decision was expected before the draft. Head coach Mike McCarthy’s history of mentoring quarterbacks was cited as a factor in the pick.
Analyst Concerns
Analysts noted that Allar’s college production was uneven, citing a 0-6 record against elite programs and foot-work issues that affect accuracy. His stock fell from a projected first-round status after a season-ending ankle injury, and scouts described him as “far from a finished product” with “inconsistent touch and ball placement.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Allar’s recent output: one report lists a 2024 season of 3,327 yards, 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions, while another cites a 2025 half-season of 1,100 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions before his injury. Projections ranged from first-round to third-round, reflecting uncertainty about his post-injury ceiling.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m really excited to learn under Coach McCarthy,” — Drew Allar, quarterback
- “I guess that’s out the window now!” — Drew Allar, on his childhood Browns fandom
- “Allar looks the part with prototypical size and an effortless arm that can make any NFL throw,” — Lance Zierlein, NFL.com draft analyst
- “The Allar pick in Round 3 was the perfect quarterback addition for Pittsburgh.” — Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN analyst
- “’ And I think he throws it as well as any quarterback in this draft.” — Tom Arth, Steelers quarterbacks coach
What’s Next
Allar will report to rookie minicamp in May, where he expects to work closely with McCarthy and Arth on footwork and consistency. The Steelers will reassess the depth chart after training camp and await Rodgers’ formal decision before the 2026 season.
