Steelers' Drew Allar Now Faces A New Level Of Accountability In Pittsburgh: "You Can No Longer Blame Penn State"

The Pittsburgh Steelers made some shocking picks in the recent 2026 NFL Draft. Taking an offensive tackle in the first round was definitely surprising to Steeler Nation. After the Philadelphia Eagles jumped them for Makai Lemon, the Steelers made the unexpected pivot to Max Iheanachor. Though that wasn't the only shocking pick they made, selecting Penn State quarterback Drew Allar 76th overall as well. Allar was thought by experts to be selected on day three of the draft, but the Steelers didn't want to wait that long. Now they have their next quarterback project to work on for the next few seasons. 

Allar's time at Penn State was a roller coaster. In his first season as a starter, they were 10-3. Then, in his second season as the starter, they were 13-3 and reached the College Football semifinal, where they narrowly lost to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. His final season was a disaster, losing to two unranked opponents before sustaining a season-ending ankle injury. After that, Allar's stock plummeted, and a once-projected first-round pick quickly fell down the draft board. 

Allar has been the primary target for Penn State's struggles, and his inability to develop. Though Penn State's usage of him was called into question; perhaps not playing enough to his strengths. Now, Allar will go to a team with a coach who is actively stripping him down to the studs, in hopes of rebuilding his mechanics. Mike McCarthy has done this everywhere he's been. Allar is now in good hands for potentially the first time in his career, meaning the pressure is now on him to make it work. 

Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo of the Post-Gazette recently appeared on 93.7 The Fan, where he talked about Allar being with a new coaching staff. Fittipaldo pointed out that fans can no longer blame Penn State for Allar's flaws, as he is now a Steeler. He said that Allar has to be able to take the coaching and execute to make this thing work, with his own quarterbacks coach and the Steelers staff. 

"Listen, it's on Drew to get the proper coaching, and he has his own quarterbacks coach he's working with this offseason," Fittipaldo stated. "Between McCarthy and his new staff and what the new QBs coach and personal coach is doing, now it's on Drew. You can no longer blame Penn State; now the development is on Drew, and he needs to make sure it works this time." 

Allar has excellent traits, but has never been able to put them together. He's got a great arm, prototypical size, and can move when he has to. However, his footwork and decision-making are what hold him back. He has to be the one to make it work now that he has the proper resources around him.

McCarthy should be able to fix his footwork and teach him everything he needs to know, but Allar is the one who has to play and take advantage of his surroundings. 

Steelers Should Give Allar Time

One mistake the Steelers shouldn't make is giving up on Allar too early. Drafting him, they knew he would be a huge project that could pay off tremendously. If the franchise continues to invest in its offense, as it did in this offseason, it will only help Allar's development go faster. Only time will tell how this gamble pays off, but that time shouldn't be for a while. 

McCarthy has his work cut out for him with Allar, but the talent is undeniable. If Allar works out, he will save the Steelers lots of time in finding a franchise quarterback. There will be a microscope on Allar for the coming seasons. Steeler Nation is hoping he prevails.

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