NFL Network analyst Bucky Brooks has hailed the Pittsburgh Steelers' selection of Penn State quarterback Drew Allar as a 'perfect' match for new head coach Mike McCarthy. Brooks predicts the pairing could lead to 'very good things' for the team long-term. The Steelers drafted Allar at No. 76 overall in the third round.
Mike McCarthy, recently named the 17th head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, emphasized his preference for big, strong-armed quarterbacks with large hands suited to AFC North weather during the pre-draft process. General manager Omar Khan shared this vision, and the team selected Penn State’s Drew Allar at No. 76 overall to fit that profile precisely, as first reported by Steelers Depot citing NFL.com analysis from Bucky Brooks on May 2, 2026. Brooks ranked the duo among the top 10 perfect draft pairings, calling it an ideal marriage of a proven quarterback developer and a prospect with prototypical size, elite arm talent, and starting experience at a championship program. He noted McCarthy’s track record with Aaron Brooks, Aaron Rodgers, and Dak Prescott, suggesting his 'magic touch' could turn the third-round pick into a credible starter. The Steelers have struggled at quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement after the 2021 season, with Allar and Will Howard now providing young options amid speculation about Aaron Rodgers’ potential return. Allar, a former five-star recruit, faced consistency issues at Penn State, including accuracy and decision-making in big games, partly attributed to coaching and scheme mismatches. McCarthy’s hiring followed Mike Tomlin, largely due to his quarterback expertise. Allar expressed excitement about working with McCarthy, whom he targeted as his preferred destination.
