Former NFL quarterback Brady Quinn said Penn State product Drew Allar reminded him of Ben Roethlisberger due to their similar sizes and strong arms. The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Allar in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Quinn made the comparison on his podcast Tuesday.
The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted quarterback Drew Allar from Penn State with a third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, as the team continues its search for stability at the position following Ben Roethlisberger's retirement after the 2021 season. New head coach Mike McCarthy selected Allar on Day 2 of the draft, viewing him as a developmental prospect with strong physical tools. Allar stands around 6’5” and weighs over 200 pounds, matching Roethlisberger's build, and possesses a powerful arm reminiscent of the former Steelers star's cannon.Brady Quinn, a former NFL quarterback, drew the comparison during Tuesday's episode of his 2 Pros and a Cup of Joe podcast. “When I first was watching Drew Allar, he kind of reminded me a little bit of Big Ben [Roethlisberger],” Quinn said. “Similar in size. Big Ben, I think, was a better athlete and moves better. But both very strong arms.” Quinn cautioned he was not predicting Allar would reach Roethlisberger's level but noted potential growth under McCarthy, who has a track record of developing young quarterbacks.The Steelers' quarterback room, consisting of veteran Mason Rudolph, 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard, and Allar, ranks third-worst in the NFL entering 2026, according to CBS Sports' Garrett Podell. Two-thirds of the group has yet to throw a regular-season pass. The team awaits a decision from Aaron Rodgers on his plans for the season, expected by OTAs on May 18; he would reclaim the starting role if he returns after the Steelers placed a rare right-of-first-refusal tag on him.Quinn acknowledged differences, noting Roethlisberger's superior early-career athleticism and improvisation skills, areas where Allar needs improvement in accuracy, footwork, and decision-making. Still, Allar represents a low-risk, high-reward option for Pittsburgh.
