Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger voiced skepticism about the team's third-round selection of Penn State QB Drew Allar in the 2026 NFL Draft, preferring 2025 pick Will Howard, while other voices highlight Allar's potential under new coach Mike McCarthy in a crowded QB room.
Allar, a physically imposing quarterback with a strong arm but challenges in footwork, processing, and big-game performance, joins a Pittsburgh quarterback group that includes sixth-round 2025 pick Will Howard from Ohio State, veteran Mason Rudolph, and possibly Aaron Rodgers. The Steelers hosted Allar for a top-30 visit after a formal Combine interview, where he reviewed film and schemed with head coach Mike McCarthy and GM Omar Khan. Allar called the Combine session his 'hardest' but 'most fun.'
Roethlisberger, on his podcast, said Allar 'never jumped off the page' despite his tools, contrasting him with Howard who 'jumped off the tape.' Analyst Bucky Brooks expressed optimism, betting on McCarthy's quarterback development expertise: 'I am willing to roll and gamble on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ new quarterback becoming a guy that eventually starts in this league and has success.'
Former NFL player Jeremiah Sirles labeled Howard 'terrible' and pushed for Allar to start, while ex-GM Doug Whaley suggested Howard could be 'odd man out' amid the win-now push. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac called Allar 'McCarthy’s guy' and noted 2027 quarterback draft plans remain 'to be determined' based on evaluations of Howard and Allar.
