Story perspectives

Steelers Draft Allar, Draft Iheanachor, Trade Pittman Jr.

4/29/2026

Summary

Steelers Draft Allar

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted quarterback Drew Allar at No. 76 in 2026 NFL Draft, used a first-round pick on Max Iheanachor, and traded for Michael Pittman Jr.
Coach Mike McCarthy said he will coach the quarterback room, overseeing Allar, Howard and Rudolph.
Aaron Rodgers’ uncertain future leaves the Steelers to pick a veteran backup or trust their quarterbacks.
Mock drafts list 2027 CJ Carr at No. 8 and Drew Mestemaker and Darian Mensah at No. 14.

Summary

Steelers Draft Versatility

Steelers drafted multi-position players, reflecting head coach Mike McCarthy’s emphasis on versatility.
Pittsburgh selected Iowa return specialist Kaden Wetjen (26.8-yard punt, 29.8-yard kickoff returns in 2025) and Oklahoma safety Robert Spears-Jennings (4.32-second forty-yard dash, 1.51-second ten-yard split) for special-teams and nickel roles.
Eli Heidenreich, a seventh-round Navy pick, offers return, third-down back and slot-receiver depth after Kenneth Gainwell’s loss, while Gennings Dunker adds guard-tackle depth on the line.

History

Historical Context

In the April 24-25 2004 NFL Draft, the Steelers took Ben Roethlisberger 11th overall after Dan Rooney overruled Bill Cowher. Roethlisberger led Pittsburgh to a 21-10 Super Bowl XL victory on February 5 2006 and won the 2005 MVP, cementing the value of drafting a franchise quarterback. Now, under coach Mike McCarthy, the team repeats that strategy by adding several quarterbacks and versatile players to restore depth.

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Steelers Draft Allar

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted quarterback Drew Allar at No. 76 in 2026 NFL Draft, used a first-round pick on Max Iheanachor, and traded for Michael Pittman Jr.
Coach Mike McCarthy said he will coach the quarterback room, overseeing Allar, Howard and Rudolph.
Aaron Rodgers’ uncertain future leaves the Steelers to pick a veteran backup or trust their quarterbacks.
Mock drafts list 2027 CJ Carr at No. 8 and Drew Mestemaker and Darian Mensah at No. 14.

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