Was Drew Allar drafted into the best situation for his NFL career?
With news that Aaron Rodgers is returning for his 22nd NFL season comes even more opportunity for the Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 NFL Draft third-round pick to grow.
Along with second-year quarterback Will Howard, Allar would have had a chance to compete for the starting role in 2026 had Rodgers not returned. With him back in the mix, both young quarterbacks have a chance to learn behind the veteran. This is particularly important for Allar given the talent he possesses.
After going from one of the top quarterback prospects entering the draft into an afterthought following early season struggles during the 2025 college football season at Penn State followed by a season-ending broken left ankle, Allar enters the NFL with something to prove.
Can he turn his talent into something special at the next level?
Can he fix his mechanical inconsistencies?
So far, so good for the 6-foot-5, 228-pound quarterback who is already impressing coaches in his first two weeks in Pittsburgh, especially offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio who saluted Allar for his mindset entering rookie minicamp and OTAs as well as his dedication in working on some of those mechanics, like his footwork.
Steelers coaches are already seeing encouraging signs from Drew Allar
“Drew, I really like his mindset and his approach, and how he’s going about his daily business. Certainly, in the NFL, the footwork is a little bit more under center,” Angelichio said as transcribed by Pennlive.com, “So, we’ll continue to work on his footwork under center, but I think just the training, how we teach progressions, how we want the feet to look to tie him up with the routes and the rhythm in the passing game, like with all our guys. I mean, some of it’s a little bit new for all of them.”
Allar has already been working with Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy in tweaking that footwork and playing with more rhythm. Rodgers, who grew up in McCarthy’s system, becomes like a third coach to Allar in that he can help him process what he is learning and seeing on the field and help elevate his game to match his natural talent.
What Allar will be at the NFL level, particularly with the Steelers early in his career, it will come down to Allar himself. Early on, the commitment and focus seem to be there.
Can he take advantage of the situation he is in?
That is another area where Rodgers will be a motivational component to his development. Before Rodgers got his opportunity, he had to play behind Brett Favre. Now, he becomes the mentor to a young QB with the size, mobility and elite arm talent to be special.
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