Jerome Bettis Just Delivered A Shocking Take Comparing Steelers’ Drew Allar To Ben Roethlisberger

After the Pittsburgh Steelers made the decision to use their 76th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to select Penn State quarterback Drew Allar, there was naturally plenty of discourse that followed. At one point, Allar was viewed as a top quarterback prospect capable of changing the direction of a franchise. However, after a struggling 2025 college football season that featured inconsistency in big moments and ended with a season-ending injury, his stock plummeted, ultimately landing him in the third round to Pittsburgh under the team’s new regime led by Head Coach Mike McCarthy.

In 2026, the Steelers have Aaron Rodgers under center, but he has made it known that this will likely be his final season. After 2026, Pittsburgh will need to determine its long-term plan at quarterback. Mason Rudolph currently serves as the veteran backup behind Rodgers, but many believe he could be traded soon, as he is viewed as nothing more than a backup option at this stage.

Of course, the Steelers also have Allar and 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard competing for a potential future role as the starter. For Allar, there is still significant development needed according to Steelers legend Jerome Bettis. However, Bettis told The Action Network on Friday that he still sees similarities between Allar and legendary Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

"He's a pretty big kid. He's definitely not as athletic as Ben was," Bettis explained. "Ben could move, he was a big, big dude, but he could move. I don't know if he's as athletic as Ben, but in terms of size, he's got that size."

It is absolutely critical to be careful with how Bettis’ comments are framed, because he is not saying that Allar is the next Roethlisberger or suggesting that he is anywhere close to that level at this stage. Rather, Bettis is simply pointing out that there are some similarities in terms of physical stature and certain traits he has observed on film.

Bettis is highlighting those broad, early developmental comparisons in style and build, not making a direct projection or definitive evaluation of Allar’s ceiling. The context of his comments is more about traits that translate at the NFL level and what Allar will need to refine moving forward, rather than any firm comparison to the legacy of Roethlisberger.

"I'm thinking of the guys in the league that are that tall. He's got to be 6-foot-4, 6-foot-5, right," Bettis said. "He's up there, so I just think from the physical perspective, he's supremely talented. He's got a big arm. He can make all the throws, so it's just about learning the NFL game, and I think he's in a great position to learn behind Aaron Rodgers."

Allar clearly possesses a rare combination of traits that NFL scouts often look for when developing a quarterback. McCarthy is known for his ability to work with raw quarterback talent and has a resume that includes helping mold young passers into NFL starters. 

Now, he will be tasked with doing exactly that in Pittsburgh, whether with Allar, Howard, or potentially both over time.

Steelers Love What They Have In Howard And Allar

One thing is certain: the competition will sharpen everyone involved. McCarthy and the Steelers like what they have in their two young developmental projects, but there is still significant work ahead before either is taken seriously as a long-term starter at the NFL level.

Hearing Bettis’ comments serves as a reminder to Steeler Nation just how rare of a prospect Allar truly is, even as he remains very much a work in progress.

Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X (@anthonyghalkias) and consider following for more Steelers-related content and discussion. I’m always open to hearing different perspectives, breaking down games, and talking all things Pittsburgh football. 

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