Steelers Grab Drew Allar in 2026 NFL Draft, Eyeing QB Future

On June 5, 2026, the Pittsburgh Steelers reached across the table and selected quarterback Drew Allar with the 76th overall pick in the third round of the NFL Draft. The move injects a raw but high‑upside arm into a roster that has been scrambling for a long‑term answer behind veteran Kenny Pickett. For a franchise that has historically prioritized stability at the quarterback position‑from the era of Terry Bradshaw to the Ben Roethlisberger years‑this selection represents a calculated gamble on a prototype passer who possesses the physical tools the Steelers have lacked since their last franchise cornerstone.

Allar arrives in Pittsburgh with a mix of flashes and unanswered questions, but the Steelers’ coaching staff believes the environment will grant him the patience he needs to thrive. The third‑round slot suggests Pittsburgh values the prospect higher than most analysts did a week ago, signaling a strategic shift in how the front office views the risk-to-reward ratio of developmental quarterbacks. By selecting Allar at 76, the Steelers are essentially betting that Allar’s ceiling is that of a top-10 pick, regardless of the volatility seen during his collegiate tenure.

What Does Allar’s College résumé Tell Us?

Allar spent three years as the starter at Ohio State, posting a 24‑16 record and averaging 260 passing yards per game while posting a 61.5% completion rate in his senior season. As a former five‑star recruit, Allar was heralded as a “generational arm” coming out of high school, and his time in Columbus largely validated that hype. He showed poise in the pocket and a willingness to extend plays, traits that align with Pittsburgh’s balanced offensive scheme which demands a quarterback capable of both precision timing and the ability to escape pressure under duress.

According to ESPN, his senior year passer rating of 140.2 was the highest among quarterbacks drafted in the first three rounds, a metric that often predicts early‑career success. This efficiency rating is particularly telling when compared to his early years at Ohio State, where he struggled with consistency. The progression from a tentative sophomore to a Big Ten powerhouse in his senior year suggests a steep learning curve that the Steelers hope to replicate in the professional ranks. His ability to execute vertical routes and manipulate safeties with his eyes makes him a dangerous weapon in an NFL landscape that is increasingly favoring “big-play” quarterbacks who can stretch the field.

How Did Analysts Grade the Pick?

The scouting community was deeply divided on Allar’s projection. When CBS Sports first evaluated Allar, the writer gave him a fifth‑round grade, noting inconsistency on tape and lingering doubts about his decision‑making. Critics pointed to a tendency to hold onto the ball too long and a propensity for turnovers during high-pressure games against top-ranked opponents. However, after revisiting the data and weighing the Steelers’ quarterback depth chart, the analyst upgraded the projection, arguing the player could outperform his draft slot if paired with a disciplined offensive coordinator.

The numbers reveal that third‑round QBs who earn a rookie contract within $4.2 million tend to see at least 15% of their snaps in their first year, a statistic the Steelers hope to match. Historically, third-round quarterbacks like Dak Prescott have proven that value can be found outside the first round if the player possesses the requisite mental toughness and physical traits. By securing Allar at this price point, Pittsburgh avoids the immense pressure and astronomical salary expectations associated with a first-round selection, allowing Allar to develop without the “savior” label that often hampers rookie growth.

Pittsburgh Steelers’ Quarterback Landscape

The context of this pick is rooted in a dismal 2025 campaign. The Pittsburgh Steelers finished the 2025 season with a 4‑13 record, leaving the team with a clear need for a future starter behind Pickett. The struggle was evident in their inability to sustain drives and a lack of explosive plays, which led to a stagnant offense that ranked in the bottom third of the league in points per game. The front office hopes the developmental timeline aligns with the broader rebuild, aiming to be competitive by 2028. This timeline suggests that the team is not looking for an immediate fix, but rather a long-term foundation.

Allar joins a quarterback room that also includes veteran Tom Savage and rookie Tyler Mills, creating a three‑man competition for the backup role. This creates a fascinating dynamic: Savage provides the steady, veteran hand for mentorship, Mills offers a different stylistic approach, and Allar represents the high-ceiling future. Offensive coordinator Mike Kelley plans to use Allar in a limited‑snap, run‑heavy package during his rookie year to accelerate his learning curve. This “soft-landing” approach is designed to protect the rookie from the brutality of NFL defenses while allowing him to get comfortable with the speed of the game.

The numbers show that teams that give rookie QBs limited red‑zone reps in preseason often see faster progression when the regular season arrives. By integrating Allar into specific, high-leverage situations where the field is shorter and the playbook is more condensed, Kelley can build Allar’s confidence without exposing his rawer tendencies in open-field scenarios. This strategy mirrors the developmental paths of several successful QBs who transitioned from collegiate stars to NFL starters through incremental exposure.

What’s Next for Pittsburgh’s QB Future?

The immediate roadmap for Allar is clear: he will likely begin the preseason as the third‑string quarterback, absorbing the playbook while participating in limited red‑zone drills. This period of apprenticeship is crucial. The Steelers’ playbook is notoriously complex, requiring a high degree of synchronization between the QB and the receiving corps. Allar’s primary goal will be mastering the terminology and timing of the system.

If Pickett struggles early, the Steelers have a plausible path to elevate Allar without a drastic roster shake‑up, preserving cap flexibility for other needs. This flexibility is vital for a team that needs to invest heavily in its offensive line to protect a young asset. If the Steelers can solidify the trenches, Allar’s natural arm talent will be far more effective. In a recent interview, Steelers GM Kevin Colbert said the front office is “patient but purposeful” with Allar, emphasizing that the rookie’s development will be measured against the team’s timeline, not the fans’ expectations.

Comparing this move to previous Steelers drafts, it echoes the team’s desire to find a diamond in the rough, though the urgency is higher given the 4‑13 finish. The risk is that the window of competitiveness closes before Allar is ready; the reward is a franchise quarterback who can lead the team for a decade. Why this matters: By locking down a promising arm in the NFL Draft, Pittsburgh can focus on strengthening its offensive line and defense, rather than scrambling for a stop‑gap quarterback through the free-agent market, which often leads to overpriced, mediocre results.