Full Breakdown
Steelers Draft Drew Allar in Third Round, Adding a New Piece to a Crowded Quarterback Room
5/1/2026, 3:52:43 PM
Why Pittsburgh Turned to a New Quarterback
The Steelers used the 76th overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft to select Penn State quarterback Drew Allar. The move follows several years of uncertainty at the position, a right-of-first-refusal tender placed on veteran Aaron Rodgers, and the 2025 sixth-round selection of Will Howard. Steelers officials have repeatedly said they “don’t want to rely on just one quarterback,” indicating a strategic desire to deepen the depth chart while a long-term starter remains undecided.
Drew Allar’s Measurables and College Production
Allar enters the league at 6-5, 228–235 lb with near-10-inch hands. Scouts highlighted his “prototype size” and “elite arm strength” capable of “big-boy throws.” College statistics show a career-high 2,979 passing yards and a 63.2 % completion rate— a Penn State record—along with 25 Big Ten passing touchdowns in 2023 and a CFP semifinal appearance in 2024. He also set an FBS record with 311 pass attempts without an interception. A broken ankle in 2025 limited him to six games, and his per-game averages varied: 56 % completion against six ranked opponents versus 66.5 % overall, 157–208 yards, 1–1.5 touchdowns and 0.5–0.5 interceptions.
Competing Quarterbacks on the Roster
The 2026 quarterback room now includes:
- Aaron Rodgers – potential starter under a tender.
- Will Howard – 2025 sixth-round pick who posted 4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 73 % completions and a 175.3 passer rating in 2024.
- Mason Rudolph – veteran backup with 14 career starts for Pittsburgh.
Allar is expected to compete for the third-string role while learning from the veteran group.
Official Team Perspectives
Head coach Mike McCarthy said the organization “doesn’t want to rely on just one quarterback” and added that he “liked everything about him.” Quarterback coach Tom Arth noted Allar “has the best arm talent in the draft” and described him as a “physically gifted quarterback” with “big hands.” Steelers personnel emphasized that the draft pick is intended to “grow the quarterback room” rather than replace any specific player.
Scout Concerns and Veteran Criticism
Multiple scouts flagged accuracy and footwork as persistent issues, describing Allar’s mechanics as “worse the bigger the game got” and noting “inconsistent accuracy” that often stems from “mechanical issues” and “footwork.” Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger expressed uncertainty, stating, “This is one that I’m not sure yet if I love it or hate it,” and reiterated that Allar “never jumped off the page.” Penn State associate head coach Terry Smith admitted the Nittany Lions’ offense “wasn’t built for Drew,” citing “lack of rhythm and vision” and “poor decision-making in big moments.” Analyst Jeremy Fowler compared Allar’s arm talent to a “young Joe Flacco.”
Conflicting Evaluations and Data Gaps
Sources differ on Allar’s overall production: one report lists a career total of 7,402 yards and 61 touchdowns, while another cites 2,979 yards and 24 touchdowns. Completion percentages also vary between 56 % against top opponents and 66.5 % overall. No official comment has been released regarding Aaron Rodgers’ final decision on returning for 2026, leaving the starter’s status uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He’s got the prototype size of an NFL quarterback. Strong arm, better athlete than you might think,” — Scout (Bob McGinn series)
- “Something was off, something was missin’ because he’s got all the NFL traits and measurables,” — Third scout (Bob McGinn series)
- “This is one that I'm not sure yet if I love it or hate it,” — Ben Roethlisberger, *Footbahlin* podcast
- “We don't want to rely on just one quarterback,” — Mike McCarthy, post-draft press conference
- “Allar is the perfect quarterback in this class to take for Mike McCarthy to develop. He's got the size, the arm and the feet to evade pressure in the pocket. Unfortunately, he's never had the accuracy. Can Mike McCarthy fix that? If the new head coach can, Allar can start in the NFL.” — Mike Renner, CBS Sports analysis
- “I think this will push Will.” — Ben Roethlisberger, *Footbahlin* podcast
What’s Next for Pittsburgh’s Quarterbacks
McCarthy plans to address Allar’s footwork and accuracy through targeted coaching, a process highlighted by his reputation as a “highly technical teacher.” If Rodgers signs, Allar is likely to serve as a developmental backup behind both Rodgers and Howard. Should Rodgers decline, the three-way competition could intensify, with the Steelers potentially evaluating Allar for a larger role in the 2027 season while continuing to monitor Howard’s progression and Rudolph’s veteran presence.
