As the 2026 NFL Draft continues, the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to shock the world. Though some unfortunate events took place, they seem to have made up for it. With their first third-round pick, they selected Penn State quarterback Drew Allar. The former Nittany Lion is seen as a big-time project, with prototypical size and a massive arm. Allar has had an interesting journey to the NFL, going to school not too far from the Steel City. Now, he will get to work with a quarterback guru like Mike McCarthy, who has a great track record for developing signal-callers.
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Steelers' Drew Allar goes through drills at the NFL Scouting Combine in 2026.
While Allar's past comes with some highs, there were a lot of lows in his college career as well. Allar had a lackluster season in 2025 before an injury ended his final campaign. He tossed eight touchdowns to three interceptions.
His team, which came into the season as the number two-ranked team in the country, finished just 7-6, losing two embarrassing games to UCLA and Northwestern. Allar is not entirely to blame for the collapse, but did not help the cause. Once a player who was a projected first-round pick, he quickly fell hard down experts' draft boards.
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Former Penn State quarterback Drew Allar prepares to throw a football as he warms up before the team competes in a collegiate football event.
Steelers quarterbacks coach Tom Arth spoke to the media after the selection of Allar and reinforced the decision to take the chance on the big signal-caller. He mentioned his excitement to work with Allar and the talent he possesses.
"Now, the chance to have him here in Pittsburgh and in our quarterback room, I think, is outstanding," Arth said. "He is — again has rare size. He's, you know, [6'5"], 235 pounds. He has big hands, and I think what's most exciting, you know, certainly when you're talking about the quarterback position, is can this guy throw the football... I think he throws it as well as any quarterback in this draft class."
Talent has never been the issue with Allar; his accuracy and decision-making have been his downfall. As Arth mentioned, Allar can throw it with anyone in the current draft class, though that bar is not set very high compared to other years.
His arm was too good to pass on for McCarthy and company. Now, he will begin working on his newest project: getting Allar NFL-ready. Allar will take time, and the Steelers don't have much. Hopefully, he catches on quickly to McCarthy's teachings.
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Former NFL head coach Mike McCarthy looks on from the sidelines during a time in his Green Bay tenure.
Luckily for Allar, he's stepping into a solid supporting cast. The Steelers have been investing in their offensive line for the last four drafts, and he will be protected. He will also have a nice group of receivers thanks to the acquisition of Michael Pittman Jr. and the selection of Germie Bernard 47th overall. Though he needs to work on his development, he won't have to worry about the players around him. A very nice head start for the raw prospect.
Steelers Have Seen This Happen Before
Another team took a very raw, unpolished quarterback in the 2018 NFL Draft. The Buffalo Bills selected Josh Allen seventh overall, which was a huge risk. That move in the top-10 had much higher stakes than the Steelers' third-round decision. Allar doesn't have Allen's athleticism, but he may have an arm that could give him a run for his money. Allen is now one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, winning an NFL MVP in 2024.
Expecting Allar to replicate what Allen has done would be unreasonable; Allen has been one of the best quarterbacks of his generation, behind Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson. It's not far-fetched for Allar to become a solid NFL starter. He has all the tools he needs, and with the proper coaching, could carve out a decent career. Hopefully, the Steelers gamble works out in a big way. Fans will have to see in the coming seasons.
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