The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2026 season with plenty of attention focused on their quarterback room, where experience and youth are expected to coexist throughout training camp. While veteran Aaron Rodgers is projected to begin the season as the starting quarterback, much of the long-term conversation centers on rookie Drew Allar and his potential future with the franchise.
Selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft with the 76th overall pick, Allar arrives in Pittsburgh after a successful collegiate career at Penn State. Although he is not expected to challenge Rodgers for the starting role immediately, the organization views him as a developmental prospect with significant upside.
Former Steelers running back Jerome Bettis recently shared his thoughts on the young quarterback, offering an encouraging assessment of Allar’s physical tools. While Bettis stopped short of declaring the rookie the next franchise star, he did identify several similarities between Allar and one of the greatest quarterbacks in Steelers history, Ben Roethlisberger.
Bettis also emphasized another advantage working in Allar’s favor. By joining a quarterback room led by future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers, the rookie has an opportunity to learn from one of the most accomplished players the position has ever seen before eventually taking on greater responsibilities.
1. Bettis Sees Familiar Physical Traits
When discussing Allar, Bettis immediately pointed to the rookie’s impressive physical profile. Standing among the taller quarterbacks in the NFL, Allar possesses the size that has traditionally been valued by teams looking for durable pocket passers.
That combination of height and arm strength reminded Bettis of Roethlisberger, who spent nearly two decades leading the Steelers and became one of the most successful quarterbacks in franchise history. According to Bettis, both players share similar physical dimensions and the ability to make difficult throws across the field.
At the same time, Bettis noted that Allar differs from Roethlisberger in one important area. He believes the former Penn State quarterback is not as mobile as Roethlisberger was during the early years of his NFL career, when the veteran often extended plays with surprising athleticism despite his size.
Even so, Bettis believes Allar has the natural talent necessary to succeed at the professional level. With a powerful arm and the ability to execute every type of NFL throw, he sees the rookie’s biggest challenge as adjusting to the speed and complexity of the league.
2. Learning From Aaron Rodgers
Perhaps the greatest advantage for Allar is the opportunity to develop behind Aaron Rodgers rather than being forced into immediate action. The veteran quarterback is expected to lead Pittsburgh this season, allowing the rookie valuable time to learn without the pressure of starting right away.
Bettis believes that environment could play a crucial role in Allar’s long-term growth. Having a future Hall of Fame quarterback in the same building provides daily access to knowledge that few young players receive early in their careers.
He encouraged Allar to observe every aspect of Rodgers’ preparation, from practice habits to film study and leadership. According to Bettis, maximizing that opportunity could have a lasting impact on the rookie’s development both on and off the field.
Veteran mentorship has often helped young quarterbacks adjust to the NFL, and Pittsburgh hopes Rodgers’ experience will benefit Allar as the organization prepares for the future beyond its current starter.
3. Steelers Looking Toward the Future
Although Rodgers is firmly established as Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback entering training camp, the selection of Allar reflects the franchise’s commitment to long-term planning. Rather than waiting until a future offseason to search for a successor, the Steelers have begun developing one now.
Competition within the quarterback room should also create an environment that encourages improvement. While Allar’s immediate role may be limited, every practice and preseason opportunity will provide valuable experience as he continues adapting to the professional game.
Expectations for rookie quarterbacks are often tempered, especially when they join teams with established veterans already in place. Pittsburgh appears content allowing Allar to develop patiently while focusing on refining the fundamentals of his game before asking him to carry the offense.
Whether Allar eventually follows a path similar to Roethlisberger remains impossible to predict. However, Bettis’ comments reflect optimism that the young quarterback possesses the physical tools, work ethic, and developmental environment needed to build a successful NFL career with the Steelers.