Steelers Draft Penn State QB Drew Allar in Third Round

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Penn State quarterback Drew Allar in the third round of the NFL draft Friday night, adding young depth to a position group clouded by uncertainty over veteran Aaron Rodgers' potential arrival.

The pick signals Pittsburgh's intent to develop quarterback talent internally while the franchise continues to navigate the Rodgers saga that has dominated its offseason. Allar, a former four-star recruit who started two seasons for the Nittany Lions, brings both upside and questions to a Steelers roster that has lacked clarity at the sport's most important position.

Allar's College Profile

Allar spent two years as Penn State's starter, showcasing a strong arm and mobility in the pocket. He threw for more than 5,000 yards across his collegiate career, though his completion percentage and decision-making drew mixed reviews from draft analysts. Scouts praised his physical tools but noted inconsistency in high-pressure situations.

The Medina, Ohio native entered the draft as a developmental prospect, projected by most analysts as a mid-to-late round selection. Pittsburgh's decision to invest a third-round pick reflects confidence in his long-term potential and the coaching staff's ability to refine his mechanics.

The Rodgers Factor

The Steelers have spent months in reported discussions about acquiring Rodgers from the New York Jets, though no deal has materialized. The four-time MVP's future remains uncertain as he weighs retirement, a return to New York, or a trade to a contender. Pittsburgh's interest has been widely reported but never officially confirmed by the organization.

Drafting Allar does not preclude a Rodgers trade, but it does provide insurance if those negotiations collapse. The Steelers currently have veteran Russell Wilson and backup Kyle Allen under contract, creating a crowded quarterback room that will likely see competition extend into training camp.

What It Means for Pittsburgh

The selection reflects a dual strategy: pursue a proven veteran while simultaneously investing in a young prospect who can develop behind the scenes. General manager Omar Khan has emphasized building depth across the roster, and the quarterback position is no exception.

Allar will compete for a roster spot but is unlikely to see significant playing time in 2025 unless injuries or performance issues force the coaching staff's hand. His development timeline aligns with the Steelers' broader rebuild, which has focused on retooling the offense after years of inconsistent quarterback play.

Pittsburgh has not publicly addressed how Allar fits into their plans if Rodgers arrives, but the draft pick suggests the front office is preparing for multiple scenarios. The team holds additional picks in later rounds and could continue to add competition at the position.

League-Wide Context

The 2025 draft class featured several high-profile quarterbacks selected in the first two rounds, making Allar's third-round landing spot a relative value play for Pittsburgh. Teams across the league have prioritized the position, with more than a dozen signal-callers expected to hear their names called before the draft concludes Saturday.

The Steelers' approach mirrors that of other franchises balancing veteran acquisitions with youth development. Philadelphia, Tampa Bay, and Denver have all added young quarterbacks in recent drafts while maintaining experienced starters, creating internal competition designed to elevate performance across the roster.

What we know: The Steelers drafted Drew Allar in the third round Friday night, adding a developmental quarterback while Aaron Rodgers' future remains unresolved. What's unclear: Whether Pittsburgh will finalize a trade for Rodgers, how Allar fits into the depth chart, and what the quarterback competition will look like when training camp opens in July.