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Brooke Pryor
Multiple Authors
PITTSBURGH — It’s a Pennsylvania fairytale, or something like it.
As they continue to await word from Aaron Rodgers, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Drew Allar in the third round with the No. 76 pick of the NFL draft, adding to their quarterback room in front of a raucous hometown crowd that roared as the former Penn State star was announced.
Even more fitting: Former Penn State and current Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and his dad, Joey Porter Sr., unveiled the pick on stage Friday night.
“It was just a lot of anticipation kind of throughout the day and in the last couple of weeks, honestly, but very excited for the opportunity I have to be a Pittsburgh Steeler,” Allar said. “It’s definitely a dream come true to play for such a great organization and fulfill my dream of having the opportunity to play in the NFL.”
In an ironic twist, Allar, an Ohio native, was a big Cleveland Browns fan growing up.
Those days, though, are over.
“I guess that’s kind of gone out the window right now,” Allar said with a laugh. “but I’m very excited to be a Steeler. … Honestly, at my time at Penn State, I got a lot more familiar with, obviously the whole state of PA, but especially Pittsburgh.
“I know how serious the culture is around sports in Pittsburgh and how much pride the fans take in all the pro teams.”
Though Rodgers’ future is uncertain, quarterbacks coach Tom Arth downplayed the idea that adding Allar affects the four-time MVP.
“I don’t believe that has any impact on Aaron,” Arth said. “Certainly, we’re here for Drew and excited about his moment and excited to have him in this room.”
Though his senior season was cut short with a knee injury, Allar finished his Penn State career with 61 passing touchdowns and 7,402 passing yards. Allar had a 1-6 career record against AP-ranked top-10 opponents, and in those games, he completed 50.3% of passes and averaged 5.5 yards per attempt.
But Arth touted Allar’s measurables and intangibles, adding that he believes the 22-year-old hasn’t reached his peak.
“He has rare size,” Arth said. “He’s 6-5, 235 pounds. He has big hands. And I think what’s most exciting, certainly when you’re talking about the quarterback position, this guy can throw the football. And I think he throws it as well as any quarterback in this draft class. He has an effortless arm. He can make every single throw on the field. And he’s a better athlete than I think given credit for. … His intelligence as a football player and his arm talent and all those things, I think he has a very high ceiling. I don’t think he has reached his potential yet as a player.”
In selecting Allar with their highest third-round pick, the Steelers signaled their faith in and desire for new head coach Mike McCarthy to develop young quarterbacks — an ability he emphasized throughout his interview process.
The Steelers also have veteran backup Mason Rudolph and second-year signal-caller Will Howard, who missed most of his rookie season after a training camp injury to his pinky finger.
Arth and McCarthy will have the task of developing Allar and Howard, but Arth said he believes the former Big Ten quarterbacks will help bring out the best in each other.
“These are two ultracompetitive individuals,” Arth said. “They certainly wouldn’t be where they are in the career if they weren’t. … I think we’ll have a great plan for [their reps]. Fortunate to have a really good room right now with Mason Rudolph and his experience, certainly in the NFL, but obviously here in Pittsburgh, too, for both Will and now Drew to learn from.”
