Drew Allar

NFL player. Position: QB. Team: PIT.

Quick Facts

Position: QB
Team: PIT (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Drafted: 2026 NFL Draft, 3rd round (76th overall)
College: Penn State

2026 Outlook

Drew Allar landed with Pittsburgh in ideal circumstances for a young QB. CBS Sports analysis argues he could become one of the best draft values due to his 37.9% first-down rate (among class leaders), substantial starting experience (35 collegiate starts), and strong profile on predictive QB models—despite tape concerns about footwork and decision-making under pressure. The Steelers aren't asking him to start immediately; he enters a stable franchise, quarterback-friendly system, and under Mike McCarthy, whose two-decade track record with developing talented-but-raw passers (Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, Dak Prescott) directly addresses Allar's biggest weaknesses: pocket discipline, footwork, and processing speed. Analytics suggested Allar outperformed expectations compared to public draft perception. The comp that best captures his potential is Drake Maye—both showed inconsistent footwork, occasional accuracy issues and pressure management concerns alongside elite arm talent and athleticism. If McCarthy's system helps Allar clean up operational details (pocket management, timing, decision-making when the pocket breaks down), the third-round pick could look like a steal in a few years. (per Why Drew Allar could end up being one of the best values in the 2026 Draft)

McCarthy has made clear he views Allar far more than just his draft position—hand-picking him as the first QB of his new Pittsburgh regime. The coaching staff believes Allar's inconsistent footwork and accuracy lapses were a product of Penn State's environment, not his ultimate ceiling. The parallel to Drake Maye's path is intentional: both carry similar developmental profiles (strong arm talent and athleticism alongside footwork concerns), and both landed in quarterback-friendly systems designed to help them succeed. For 2026, Allar's job is simply to learn and grow under Aaron Rodgers' mentorship with no external pressure to compete (per Steelers May Have Next Drake Maye).

Aaron Rodgers has been actively mentoring Allar during spring practices and OTAs, offering detailed feedback and pulling him aside to answer questions. At May OTAs, Rodgers described mentoring as work he relishes, noting that while "it's not in my job description," he's embracing the role of developing young QBs Allar and Will Howard. Allar praised Rodgers for being "very open" and helping him understand the intricacies of elite QB play. McCarthy is emphasizing detailed explanation of "the why" behind every call and play, helping Allar "simplify things" so he can play on instinct rather than overthinking. This developmental approach mirrors the path that got Drake Maye to back-to-back All-Pro honors and a Super Bowl appearance as a rookie. (per Drew Allar Receives Eye-Opening NFL Comparison and Rodgers says 2026 with Steelers will be his last season)

Role / Depth Chart

Developmental backup/long-term starter. Being groomed by Rodgers and McCarthy. Not expected to play immediately in 2026, but could assume starting role if Rodgers gets injured during the season.

Injury Status

None reported.

Recent News

2026-05-20 — 15 trade candidates heading into 2026 NFL training camps (15 trade candidates heading into 2026 NFL training camps)
2026-05-22 — Steelers have a QB competition — one with immediate and long-term consequences - The... (Steelers have a QB competition — one with immediate and long-term consequences - The...)
2026-03-06 — Mike Clay's fantasy football rookie rankings for 2026: Jeremiyah Love on top (Mike Clay's fantasy football rookie rankings for 2026: Jeremiyah Love on top)
2026-05-20 — Best Dynasty Fantasy Football Values for Every NFL Team (2026) (Best Dynasty Fantasy Football Values for Every NFL Team (2026))
2026-02-17 — Who are the top offensive prospects entering the 2026 NFL combine? Top 5 by position (Who are the top offensive prospects entering the 2026 NFL combine? Top 5 by position)
2026-04-25 — 2026 NFL Draft Day 2: Drew Allar to Aaron Rodgers’ Pittsburgh Steelers and Carson Beck... (2026 NFL Draft Day 2: Drew Allar to Aaron Rodgers’ Pittsburgh Steelers and Carson Beck...)
2026-06-11 — NFL Mock Draft 2027: Full first-round projection after Myles Garrett, A.J. Brown trades (NFL Mock Draft 2027: Full first-round projection after Myles Garrett, A.J. Brown trades)
2026-04-22 — Pittsburgh Steelers draft capsule: Quarterbacks and special teams (Pittsburgh Steelers draft capsule: Quarterbacks and special teams)
2026-04-20 — Steelers send an unmistakable message to the NFL in this shocking mock draft (Steelers send an unmistakable message to the NFL in this shocking mock draft)
2026-04-20 — 2026 NFL Draft: Seven-round full mock draft picks for every team (2026 NFL Draft: Seven-round full mock draft picks for every team)

Open Questions

Will Allar's footwork and pocket discipline improve under Mike McCarthy's coaching?
Can his 37.9% first-down rate translate to consistent NFL production?