Full Breakdown
Steelers Draft Drew Allar: Third-Round Gamble in a Turbulent Quarterback Room
4/27/2026, 8:47:23 PM
The Draft Decision
The Steelers used the No. 76 (third-round) pick of the 2026 NFL Draft to select Penn State quarterback Drew Allar. The pick, acquired from the Cowboys for George Pickens, was intended to add depth and a potential long-term answer behind veteran Aaron Rodgers, whose 2026 plans remain unclear.
Background & Context
Allar, a 6-ft-5, 235-lb former Nittany Lion, started 35 games (26-9 record). He finished his college career with 7,402 yards, 61 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, a 63.2 % completion rate (PSU record), and a 311-pass streak without an interception. Injuries and inconsistent big-game play, plus footwork concerns, left his draft stock uncertain. Pittsburgh’s quarterback room currently includes Rodgers (42, undecided), veteran Mason Rudolph, and 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard.
Data & Statistics
Allar was taken 76th overall, roughly 44 spots later than his average draft-board ranking of 120.375. The Steelers drafted eight Penn State players in 2026, including first-rounder Vega Ioane. Allar’s best 2023 performance was 21-of-29 for 325 yards and three touchdowns against West Virginia.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Mike McCarthy said the organization is comfortable with the training environment and stressed that the focus is on developing entire quarterback group. He later added, “I think, like anything, I believe in first impressions… I liked everything about him.” General manager Omar Khan and team president Art Rooney II indicated they expect Rodgers to decide before first OTAs (May 18).
Criticism & Opposition
Analyst Todd McShay noted, “I’d take Will Howard over Drew Allar… Allar needs some work.” Brian Batko of Cochran Sports called the pick “a little rich.” Mark Madden described draft as “haphazard” and suggested Allar enables Steelers to move on from Rodgers.
Verbatim Quotes
- “One of the first things Coach McCarthy asked me when I got here was, what did I change with my footwork between the Combine and my Pro Day” — Drew Allar, quarterback
- “I’ll just continue to say — I think he could be a better pro than he was a college quarterback,” — Joel Klatt, Fox Sports
- “Dangerous as it can be to assume anything when it comes to Rodgers, let’s live in a world in which he’s not back with the Steelers in 2027,” — Dan Graziano, ESPN
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Draft rankings differ: Dane Brugler placed Allar No. 106, Daniel Jeremiah No. 94, while several outlets listed him outside the top 100, creating debate over whether the pick was a reach. Rodgers’ status remains unconfirmed, leaving the depth chart uncertain.
Why It Matters
Selecting Allar signals Pittsburgh’s intent to develop a quarterback pipeline while hedging against Rodgers’ possible retirement. The outcome will influence the team’s ability to field a starter beyond 2026 and shape future draft strategy.
What’s Next
Rodgers is expected to answer before first OTAs (May 18). Allar, Howard and Rudolph will compete in offseason workouts, with McCarthy emphasizing footwork and development as priorities. The Steelers will reassess the quarterback hierarchy in training camp, and Allar could become the 2027 starter if Rodgers departs.
