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Drew Allar
QB · PIT

Drew Allar

Position QB
Team PIT
Bye Week —
PPR Rank —

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

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)

Contract expected (July 23): Allar is expected to sign his rookie deal shortly, following Fernando Mendoza's contract completion. (per Fernando Mendoza signs rookie contract - NBC Sports)

In his preseason debut vs. Green Bay (Aug 14), Allar completed 10 of 13 passes (77%) for 153 yards and 2 passing TDs plus a rushing score, showing the poise and decision-making McCarthy sought. His first pass was a 74-yard strike to Kaden Wetjen on a catch-and-run, demonstrating the arm talent scouts project. Allar added touchdown passes to Wetjen (5 yards) and Riley Nowakowski (4 yards), plus a 3-yard rushing TD that put Pittsburgh ahead 14-9 in the third quarter. The Steelers won 28-9. CBS Sports analyst Bryan DeArdo wrote that Allar not only met high training-camp-generated expectations but "exceeded" them, praising his 154.8 passer rating and composure under McCarthy's scheme. Allar attributed his success to preparation, training camp work in Latrobe with the Steelers staff, and McCarthy's "concise game plan" built around plays he felt comfortable with. (per Penn State in the pros: Drew Allar 'exceeds expectations' in debut; Devonte Ross...], Steelers' McCarthy lauds play of Howard, Allar in win)

Preseason Week 2 continued execution (Aug 21): In preseason Week 2 vs. Jets, Allar shared reps with Will Howard at the QB position, continuing the development pattern set by McCarthy. Expert betting analyst Matt Severance highlighted Allar as the strong choice to continue his preseason form, comparing him favorably to Will Howard and noting "Allar might already be more talented than anything the Jets have." Severance emphasized Allar's third-round pedigree and strong Week 1 showing as evidence the rookie is a legitimate prospect to build around (per 2026 NFL preseason Week 2 NFL odds, picks today: Expert likes Pittsburgh Steelers).

Preseason Week 3 (Aug 28): In the season finale preseason game vs. Buffalo (28-27 Steelers loss), Allar played the entire second half going 9-of-18 for 88 yards with no TDs and no INTs. His performance was inconsistent compared to his dominant Week 1 showing, mirroring concerns about footwork and decision-making consistency raised during training camp. However, McCarthy maintains confidence in Allar's long-term development trajectory, emphasizing both youngsters (Allar and Will Howard) are positioned for growth in the post-Rodgers era. CBS Sports analysis notes consensus entering preseason was Allar ahead of Howard on the depth chart, and that view continues despite Week 3 struggles. Allar remains QB3 with Howard competing for the same role, both likely to make the 53-man roster alongside Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph (per Steelers appear set on keeping four quarterbacks, but who is the odd man out if that decision changes? - CBS Sports)

Developmental backup. Competing with Will Howard for the QB3 role behind Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph. McCarthy has Allar splitting reps with Howard during the No. 3 team drills; both are likely to make the 53-man roster. In preseason Week 2 vs. Jets, Allar entered the game in the second half while Howard started, continuing to share reps with Howard as both vie for the depth chart edge (per Steelers news: Aaron Rodgers isn't playing, but is QB decision a hint at depth chart?). Being groomed by Rodgers and McCarthy for long-term development, not expected to play immediately in 2026 (per Steelers QB Depth Chart Gets Big Drew Allar, Will Howard Update).

Injury Status

None reported.

Recent News

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?

Sources

Coaches shaping Drew's role

Mike McCarthyHead CoachBrian AngelichioOffensive CoordinatorJason SimmonsDefensive Pass Game Coordinator/Defensive BacksJahri EvansAssistant Offensive Line CoachJames CampenOffensive Line CoachTim BerbenichGame Management/QuarterbacksTom ArthQuarterbacks Coach

What the Experts Are Saying

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