Industry insight from former NFL GM Mike Tannenbaum, on The Pat McAfee Show, praised Allar’s physical traits and high upside, noting that drafting a quarterback isn’t just about immediate starts but long-term potential. Allar, a 6’5”, near 230-pound signal-caller, put together a strong college resume at Penn State with over 60 touchdowns and a solid completion rate, though he missed part of 2025 with an ankle injury. The Steelers envision a development timeline under McCarthy, possibly leveraging a year of preparation behind Rodgers before Allar challenges for playing time.
Despite the optimistic outlook, Allar faces an uphill battle to become a starter in the NFL. If Rodgers returns for another season, Allar will likely spend time developing as a third option behind Rodgers and Rudolph, with Howard as a potential next in line if Rudolph is moved. The article emphasizes Pittsburgh’s solid quarterback depth and the strategic advantage of having a seasoned coach like McCarthy guide Allar’s early career, providing hope for the Steelers’ quarterback future.
Key takeaways:
– Steelers draft Drew Allar in the third round to bolster quarterback depth and future potential.
– Allar’s physical tools and upside are highlighted by NFL executives and analysts.
– Development under Mike McCarthy is central to Allar’s NFL trajectory, especially if Rodgers remains with the team.
– Allar’s path to starting is uncertain, with Rudolph and Howard in the current depth chart and Rodgers potentially dictating the timeline.
