NFL Teams Draft QBs in Third Round, Reshaping Depth Charts
Pittsburgh and Arizona add college stars to crowded quarterback rooms, reflecting league-wide uncertainty at the position.
Two NFL franchises used Friday's third round of the 2026 draft to address their quarterback situations, selecting college standouts despite existing veteran depth charts. The Pittsburgh Steelers chose former Penn State signal-caller Drew Allar, while the Arizona Cardinals picked Carson Beck, formerly of Miami, at pick 65—moves that underscore how teams are hedging their bets at football's most scrutinized position.
Pittsburgh Adds Allar Amid Rodgers Uncertainty
The Steelers selected Allar in the third round Friday night, adding the Penn State product to a quarterback room still awaiting clarity on veteran Aaron Rodgers' future [c0]. The pick signals Pittsburgh's willingness to invest draft capital in a developmental prospect even as the franchise navigates questions about its immediate starter.
Allar's collegiate résumé at Penn State made him an attractive mid-round target for teams seeking upside without committing a first-round selection. By waiting until the third round, Pittsburgh preserved premium picks while still securing a quarterback prospect with starting potential.
Arizona Muddies Waters with Beck Selection
Arizona used the 65th overall pick on Beck, a move that further complicates an already uncertain quarterback depth chart [c1]. The Cardinals' decision to draft Beck—who transferred to Miami after beginning his college career elsewhere—adds another name to a position group that lacks a clear long-term answer.
The selection reflects Arizona's acknowledgment that its current quarterback situation remains unsettled. Rather than stand pat, the front office opted to add competition and potential, even if it creates short-term ambiguity about the starter's role.
A League-Wide Pattern Emerges
These third-round quarterback selections illustrate a broader NFL trend: teams are increasingly willing to stockpile signal-callers at multiple draft levels rather than waiting for a single franchise-defining pick. The strategy spreads risk across multiple prospects and creates internal competition that can accelerate development.
By investing day-two capital in quarterbacks, Pittsburgh and Arizona join a growing cohort of franchises that view the position as requiring constant replenishment. The approach contrasts with older models that relied on veteran free agents or late-round lottery tickets to fill backup roles.
Development Timelines and Roster Implications
Both Allar and Beck enter organizations where immediate starting opportunities appear limited, allowing for extended development periods. This luxury—rare for first-round quarterbacks thrust into starting roles—can benefit prospects who need time to adjust to NFL speed and complexity.
However, the picks also create roster-management challenges. Teams must balance veteran salaries, rookie contracts, and practice-squad eligibility while determining which quarterbacks merit long-term investment. The decisions made over the next two seasons will reveal whether these third-round gambles pay dividends.
What Comes Next
Pittsburgh's quarterback room now awaits resolution on Rodgers' status, which will determine Allar's immediate role and development path. Arizona faces similar questions about its depth chart hierarchy, with Beck joining a competition that lacks a clear incumbent.
What we know: The Steelers drafted Drew Allar in the third round while awaiting clarity on Aaron Rodgers; the Cardinals selected Carson Beck at pick 65, adding to an unsettled quarterback situation. What's unclear: How quickly either prospect will compete for starting roles, and whether these mid-round investments will yield long-term starters or capable backups.
Frequently asked
Why did Pittsburgh draft a quarterback with Rodgers still unsigned?
The Steelers are hedging against uncertainty around Aaron Rodgers' future by adding a developmental prospect with upside, preserving flexibility regardless of the veteran's decision.
What makes third-round QB picks attractive for NFL teams?
Third-round selections allow teams to acquire prospects with starting potential without committing first-round capital, spreading risk while maintaining competition and depth at the position.
How does drafting Beck affect Arizona's quarterback situation?
The pick adds another competitor to an already crowded depth chart, signaling the Cardinals lack confidence in their current options and are willing to create short-term ambiguity for long-term upside.