Steelers Select Drew Allar In Third Round As QB Room Takes Shape

The Pittsburgh Steelers continued to address their quarterback situation during the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting Penn State’s Drew Allar with the 76th overall pick in the third round. The move came as part of a broader effort to stabilize and evaluate depth at the position entering the new season.

The pick carried additional significance as it was made using a selection previously acquired from the Dallas Cowboys in a trade involving wide receiver George Pickens. That asset ultimately helped Pittsburgh secure a developmental quarterback prospect with collegiate starting experience.

Allar arrives in Pittsburgh after a notable career at Penn State, where he developed into a multi-year starter and led the program through a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance. His blend of size, arm strength, and production made him one of the more closely watched quarterback prospects in the class.

For the Steelers, the selection adds another layer of competition to an already unsettled quarterback room, as the organization continues to navigate both short-term uncertainty and long-term planning at the position.

1. College Production And Development Path

Allar’s collegiate career at Penn State spanned 45 games with 35 starts, during which he established himself as a consistent and efficient passer. He completed 633 passes for 7,402 yards and 61 touchdowns over four seasons. His most productive campaign came in 2024, when he started all 16 games and guided Penn State deep into the postseason. That year, he completed 66.5 percent of his passes for 3,327 yards, while adding 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Beyond his passing numbers, Allar also contributed as a runner, adding 302 rushing yards and six touchdowns. His dual-threat capability provided added versatility to the Nittany Lions’ offense during their playoff run. In 2025, his season was limited to six games due to a broken left ankle that required surgery. Despite the setback, he still completed nearly 65 percent of his passes and added eight touchdowns in limited action.

2. Efficiency And Draft Profile

Throughout his college career, Allar developed a reputation for ball security and decision-making. He threw just 13 interceptions across more than 1,000 career pass attempts, placing him among a rare group in FBS history. His ability to limit turnovers while operating in a high-volume passing role helped solidify his standing as a dependable quarterback prospect. That efficiency became one of his defining traits entering the draft process. Allar also began his college career as a backup before eventually taking over the starting role, showing a steady developmental arc rather than immediate transition into top-line production. Despite some projections placing him as a Day 3 selection, the Steelers viewed his combination of experience and upside as worthy of a third-round investment, making him the fourth quarterback selected in the 2026 draft class.

3. Steelers’ Quarterback Situation Remains Unclear

Allar joins a Pittsburgh quarterback room that already includes second-year player Will Howard and veteran Mason Rudolph. The addition further complicates an already unsettled depth chart. The situation remains fluid, particularly with the Steelers still awaiting clarity on a potential decision from veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. His status continues to shape how the organization approaches roster construction at the position. There is also ongoing speculation surrounding Mason Rudolph’s future, with the possibility that he could become a trade candidate depending on how the roster evolves throughout the offseason. For now, Pittsburgh’s approach appears focused on creating competition and flexibility. Allar represents a developmental option with the potential to grow into a larger role over time.