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Behind the Steel Curtain fantasy football takes on Drew Allar
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Behind the Steel Curtain about Drew Allar.
61
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38
Positive
5
Negative
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All Behind the Steel Curtain insights about Drew Allar
NegativeRoleAug 24, 2026
The source references Drew Allar's brutally honest assessment of his performance against the Jets, providing context for offensive line struggles. While the full assessment is not detailed in this article, the reference indicates Allar's performance was impacted by offensive line issues, including Broderick Jones's struggles against the Jets pass rush.PositiveProjectionAug 23, 2026
The source highlights Allar's third-quarter connection with Lake McRee while drifting left as the exact type of 'wow' throw that shows why the Steelers took a gamble on the Penn State product. Allar also had a number of passes that ranged from 'catchable' to 'very catchable' that were not caught by third-string receivers. The source notes the arrow continues to point up, though Allar still hasn't played against a defense where the majority of players will be on a 53-man roster in September. The source would like to see Allar start next week against the Bills to get him reps with and against better players before he's likely buried on the depth chart in the regular season.NegativeProjectionAug 23, 2026
Rookie third-round QB went 11/23 for 110 yards in the second half vs. Jets in Week 2 preseason; acknowledged he needed to take easier yardage early in drives rather than holding the ball downfield, which led to incompletions and sacks. Seven of his 12 incompletions were receiver drops (~70 yards lost); adjusted statline would have been 17/23 for 180 yards. Source notes growth over recent months and describes him as a work in progress with a full season to develop as the team's developmental QB.PositiveProjectionAug 22, 2026
Despite an 11-of-23 stat line in Week 2 preseason, the source contends Allar's performance was significantly better than the box score indicates. He had the play of the night—a 38-yard bomb to Lake McRee after escaping pressure—and fit a tight-window 17-yard pass to Isaiah Winstead. The source counted six drops by receivers (Joaquin Davis, Jakobie Keeney-James twice, Lake McRee, Jaheim Bell, Lance Mason), which would have resulted in a 17-of-23 for 180 yards line. The source recommends starting Allar in the preseason finale against Buffalo with better receivers (Germie Bernard, Roman Wilson) instead of practice-squad-caliber players.NegativeUsageAug 22, 2026
The third-round pick was pressured heavily by the Steelers' offensive line, getting sacked three times despite avoiding pressure on one play where he launched a 38-yard pass down the sideline to Lake McRee for the longest play of the game. Allar finished 11-of-23 for 110 yards, hampered by seven dropped passes and lack of separation from receivers Cornell Powell, Levi Wentz, Jaheim Bell, and Joaqin Davis.PositiveRoleAug 21, 2026
Rookie Drew Allar is set to sub in at quarterback during the Steelers' preseason Week 2 game against the Jets; the extent of his playing time—whether he gets the entire second half or an even more extended look—remains to be determined, but the absence of Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph gives young QBs a real opportunity to showcase their development.NegativeRoleAug 21, 2026
Young quarterback competing for roster spot; will receive all preseason reps in tonight's game against the Jets as the Steelers evaluate their quarterback depth chart ahead of the 53-man roster cutdown.PositiveRoleAug 20, 2026
Rookie QB receiving extended preseason evaluation in Week 2 and final two preseason games as Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy sits Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph to assess Allar's performance; the two rookies have already flashed, and any attempt to stash either on the practice squad risks them being poached by other teams.NegativeRoleAug 20, 2026
Drew Allar is getting full preseason reps in Week 2 against the Jets after Rudolph was given the week off by head coach Mike McCarthy, indicating he remains in competition for the Steelers' QB depth chart.NegativeRoleAug 20, 2026
Drew Allar, a third-round rookie quarterback, is too high-profile to stash on the practice squad and is expected to make the Steelers' 53-man roster. The source believes Allar should receive more preseason reps over Mason Rudolph to develop as a young passer behind Aaron Rodgers, viewing his development as more valuable than additional looks for a veteran backup.PositiveRoleAug 19, 2026
Allar had a terrific Week 1 preseason outing and will start Week 2 against the Jets alongside Will Howard, as Mike McCarthy benched Mason Rudolph. Allar is part of McCarthy's QB-grooming system and is progressing as a young prospect in the organization.NegativeRoleAug 19, 2026
An NFL the source believes Drew Allar won't get the chance to start for the Steelers, suggesting limited opportunity for the rookie quarterback to earn the starting role.PositiveProjectionAug 19, 2026
Drew Allar delivered the strongest preseason performance to date, going 10-of-13 for 154 yards and three total touchdowns against Green Bay; he will follow Will Howard as the second quarterback to see playing time in Week 2 preseason vs. Jets, with Mike McCarthy emphasizing the desire to develop this young quarterback duo extensively in the final two preseason games.NegativeRoleAug 18, 2026
Despite strong preseason performance (10-of-13, 153 yards, 2 passing TDs, 1 rushing TD in first three possessions), Geoff Schwartz warns Allar is unlikely to develop as an NFL starter because he's locked into third-string behind Aaron Rodgers and the Will Howard/Mason Rudolph backup competition. Schwartz projects the Steelers will draft another QB in 2027, potentially leaving Allar without meaningful playing time to prove himself.NegativeRoleAug 18, 2026
Steelers quarterback Drew Allar is the subject of ongoing discussion regarding his performance and development as Pittsburgh's franchise QB prospect; the source notes it is interesting to hear what other NFL media and fans think of Allar's play during training camp.PositiveProjectionAug 17, 2026
Mike McCarthy confirmed the Steelers evaluated Drew Allar as a first-round talent, indicating organizational confidence in his draft-class standing and potential.PositiveBreakoutAug 17, 2026
Allar has turned heads with his play in preseason and will have all eyes on him again in the upcoming Jets game. His strong performance so far suggests he is making an impression during the evaluation period.PositiveProjectionAug 16, 2026
Rookie QB impressed in preseason debut against Green Bay backups with poised, decisive execution of West Coast concepts; combined with Will Howard on 17-of-22 passing for 239 yards; Allar accounted for three total touchdowns (two passing, one rushing on second-and-goal option). Film analysis shows Allar executing the Dragon concept cleanly on his reads, placing the ball well on slants and flat routes—addressing prior concerns about consistency on easy plays versus difficult throws. On his first NFL pass attempt, Allar ripped a fastball to Kaden Wetjen on a Levels concept for an explosive gain. Source notes Allar faced minimal pressure and vanilla coverages but executed McCarthy's basic West Coast designs at a high level, hitting his layups and showing calm, collected demeanor despite prior skepticism about his mechanics.PositiveProjectionAug 16, 2026
Rookie QB who entered the game as part of the second unit and didn't face nearly as much pressure from the Green Bay defense. Allar looked poised and decisive alongside Will Howard. Combined with Howard, the two went 17-of-22 passing and 239 yards. Allar accounted for three total touchdowns: two through the air and one rushing, demonstrating versatility and efficiency in his preseason debut.PositiveProjectionAug 16, 2026
Third-round developmental rookie QB (76th overall pick, 2026) who impressed in preseason debut with 10-of-13 passing, 2 passing TDs, and 1 rushing TD against Green Bay. Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy revealed the team viewed Allar as first-round talent coming out of his junior year before a senior-year injury affected his draft stock; McCarthy stated "When we drafted Drew, we felt like we were getting a first-round pick" and noted "all that's holding true" regarding Allar's prospect evaluation. Allar is refining footwork and throwing mechanics under McCarthy's coaching.PositiveRoleAug 15, 2026
Rookie QB connected with Kaden Wetjen on multiple offensive plays during preseason victory over Green Bay, including a 74-yard catch-and-run and a 5-yard touchdown pass, demonstrating early chemistry and offensive capability in his first NFL game.PositiveProjectionAug 15, 2026
Rookie QB generated immediate fan excitement after preseason debut against Green Bay, completing 10 of 13 passes for 153 yards and 2 passing touchdowns plus 1 rushing touchdown across two quarters; led Pittsburgh downfield on all three drives he participated in, each ending in touchdowns. The source notes it is genuinely reasonable to think he has the potential to do more under head coach Mike McCarthy, positioning him as a prospect capable of being Pittsburgh's long-term solution at quarterback.PositiveRoleAug 14, 2026
Riley Nowakowski observed significant improvement in Allar's leadership presence and command of the offense since his arrival in Pittsburgh. Nowakowski noted: 'You've seen his confidence skyrocket. I think he does such a good job of commanding the huddle compared to when he came in. You can even hear it in his cadence. He's really been using his cadence as a weapon and just being able to really have us feel like, Oh, shoot, this guy's got control of our offense.' The Steelers are evaluating not just his physical ability but the traits that could eventually allow him to take control of the franchise.PositiveProjectionAug 14, 2026
Rookie third-round QB completed 10 of 13 passes for 153 yards and two passing touchdowns plus one rushing TD in preseason debut against Green Bay, finishing with a 154.8 passer rating. Showed accuracy, arm strength, and athleticism; connected with Kaden Wetjen on a 75-yard completion and found Wetjen and Riley Nowakowski for additional scores, turning three drives into touchdowns. Performance came after training camp in which he drew praise from head coach Mike McCarthy and offensive coaches for poise, ability to absorb information, and responsiveness to coaching.PositiveProjectionAug 14, 2026
Rookie QB Drew Allar impressed in preseason action against Green Bay with a complete performance: 10/13 completions, 153 yards, 11.8 YPA, two touchdown passes, one rushing touchdown, and a 154.8 QB rating. The former Penn State quarterback's three total touchdowns and efficient execution drew praise, though the source notes it's difficult to project long-term trajectory from a single preseason game.PositiveProjectionAug 14, 2026
The rookie out of Penn State went 10-of-13 for 153 yards, two touchdowns, and an additional score on the ground in his preseason debut. The source notes that Allar practically matched Kenny Pickett's five-drive 2023 preseason performance (13-of-15, 199 yards, 2 TDs) in a single game, and emphasizes that despite competing largely against third-team defense, his performance exceeded expectations. The source credits improved mechanics—throwing motion has less movement, footwork is better—after three months away from Penn State's RPO offense and former coordinator Andy Kotelnicki. The source states: 'He has shown more progression in three months with the Steelers than he did in four years at Penn State' and concludes 'if he continues with this type of play, maybe it'll be enough for the Steelers to give him a real shot to be QB1 in 2027.'PositiveProjectionAug 14, 2026
The rookie third-rounder posted a 10/13, 153-yard, 3 total TD performance in his first NFL outing, including one rushing TD on a successful read-option and two short rollout TD passes to fellow rookies. The source notes Allar showed solid poise despite being raw; he wasn't perfect (seemed a tick late on some reads, had mild happy feet), but the ball leaps from his hand differently than backup QBs Howard and Rudolph, and his rushing TD demonstrated size and mobility from the pocket. Mike McCarthy spent the spring reworking how Allar plays the game, and upside is why the Steelers drafted him.PositiveProjectionAug 14, 2026
Third-round rookie QB delivered a standout preseason debut, scoring on all three of his drives. Allar went 9-for-12 passing for 154 yards, 2 passing touchdowns, and 1 rushing touchdown. The game did not seem too fast for the young quarterback, who delivered throws on time and accurately with only one noticeably off-target throw. Despite the backup QB competition between Will Howard and Mason Rudolph, Allar stole the show and demonstrated he could be a future franchise option.PositiveProjectionAug 14, 2026
Rookie Drew Allar stole the show in his preseason debut, finishing 9-of-14 for 154 yards, two touchdown passes, and one rushing touchdown across multiple drives. He led a 10-play, 89-yard scoring drive going 7-of-8, threw a 5-yard TD to Kaden Wetjen, added a 3-yard rushing TD on a read option, and capped the night with a TD pass to Riley Nowakowski on a 60-yard, 10-play drive.PositiveRoleAug 13, 2026
Expected to receive the most playing time of Pittsburgh's rostered quarterbacks in the preseason debut against Green Bay, positioning him for significant snaps and evaluation opportunity in the game.PositiveRoleAug 12, 2026
Rookie third-round pick Drew Allar's preseason focus is on demonstrating progress through improved footwork and decision-making rather than outplaying fellow QBs Rudolph and Howard. Allar has shown flashes throughout camp and could provide exciting moments for Steelers fans in the preseason opener.NegativeRoleAug 11, 2026
Competing with Will Howard for the starting quarterback role; the source notes the eyes will be on the quarterbacks against the Packers as the competition continues.PositiveProjectionAug 9, 2026
Allar has been working specifically on improving the trajectory of his deep ball throws with guidance from Aaron Rodgers; after consulting with Rodgers about a week prior, Allar executed multiple deep throws during Saturday's night practice against live DBs in tight coverage, noting the work "felt really good" and that he was able to "finally get the chance to do it in a live setting."PositiveRoleAug 9, 2026
Rookie QB has had an explosive first training camp with consistently impressive throws during live drills; head coach Mike McCarthy noted Allar is "doing what you want from a young player" and "there hasn't been a day where he hasn't made a throw that makes you say, 'Okay, that's a young man taking a step.'" Offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio praised his poise, information retention, and ability to immediately correct mistakes, describing him as "like a sponge in that QB room."NegativeProjectionAug 9, 2026
Backup QB showing flashes with strong downfield throws; hit Robert Tonyan in stride for what would have been a 50-yard touchdown and uncorked a ball downfield to Brandon Smith for a goal-line diving catch. Displayed ability to push the ball down the field consistently in 11-on-11 situations. However, had issues with short accuracy and seemed unsettled when under pressure. Source has seen more 'wow' throws from Allar than any other Steelers QB this camp short of Aaron Rodgers, but the simple stuff is still very much a work in progress.NegativeProjectionAug 6, 2026
Allar had a rough practice as the Steelers' third-round quarterback; accuracy on short throws was very spotty and timing seemed to be off over the middle; he led the lone two-minute drill at the end of practice and his only completion was called back for offensive pass interference; he also hit Kaden Wetjen twice in the hands and Wetjen wasn't able to bring it in; the source notes this type of practice is exactly what the Steelers knew they were getting into when selecting Allar—he is a work in progress that can make otherworldly throws and plays but needs serious polishing on the simple stuff and mechanics.NegativeRoleAug 6, 2026
Quarterback looked Kaden Wetjen's way on consecutive plays during the two-minute drill, both of which Wetjen dropped.PositiveProjectionAug 6, 2026
Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy praised Allar's daily progression through the first week of training camp, stating the rookie is making throws that raise eyebrows and taking steps forward each practice. McCarthy said, "These are tough practices because you're not just repeating concepts… there hasn't been a day where he hasn't made a throw that makes you say, 'Okay, that's a young man taking a step.'" Allar is listed as QB4 on the depth chart behind Mason Rudolph (QB2) and Will Howard (QB3), with his preseason debut scheduled against Green Bay.NegativeDepth ChartAug 6, 2026
Drew Allar is listed as the fourth-string quarterback on the Steelers' first depth chart, behind Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, and Will Howard.NegativeDepth ChartAug 5, 2026
Drew Allar is listed at QB4 on the Steelers' first depth chart of training camp, behind Mason Rudolph (QB2) and Will Howard (QB3) in the backup quarterback rotation.PositiveRoleAug 5, 2026
Former Penn State quarterback Drew Allar is receiving significant attention and testing from the Steelers defense and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham during training camp, indicating the team is evaluating him seriously in competitive situations.PositiveBreakoutAug 4, 2026
Rookie quarterback Drew Allar has gained positive attention at Steelers training camp for his throwing ability and overall performance; he is off to a strong start in his first NFL camp.PositiveProjectionAug 4, 2026
Third-round pick quarterback Drew Allar continues to produce the most 'wow' throws of any quarterback at camp. On day five, Allar threw a perfect 60-yard bomb to Cole Burgess in stride for a 50+ yard touchdown. The source notes Allar is still very much a work in progress and that Mike McCarthy has been working with Allar and Will Howard more than other quarterbacks on the roster. Despite not being expected to do much this season, the source emphasizes it is impossible to deny the impact plays Allar is making.PositiveBreakoutAug 3, 2026
Allar has played very well through the first week of practices, better than anticipated given the overwhelming expectation that he would be raw as a talent. He made the splash throw of the day with a 55-yard touchdown to Cole Burgess during seven-on-sevens and ripped a completion over the middle to Max Hurleman on fourth down during team period. He is looking more comfortable with each practice and continuing to impress.PositiveRoleAug 2, 2026
Rookie quarterback executing at a high level in early training camp; delivered a perfectly thrown back-shoulder pass to A.T. Perry for a 40-yard gain on fourth down in the two-minute drill, demonstrating poise and accuracy in critical situations alongside fellow Big Ten product Will Howard.NegativeProjectionAug 1, 2026
Allar, a rookie third-round QB, continues to show both flashes and significant development needs. He had solid accuracy and downfield ability in early camp days, but in a two-minute drill opportunity to end practice, he was off-target on quick underneath passes (the 'layups'). However, he also made a perfectly placed 40-yard back shoulder throw to A.T. Perry on fourth down, demonstrating he is still very much a work in progress with inconsistent execution.PositiveProjectionAug 1, 2026
Allar had a pair of big throws during Saturday's practice. The first came on a designed rollout to the right where he launched a 30-yard pass to Kaden Wetjen. The second came during the second two-minute drill when, on fourth down, he dropped back and sent a perfect back shoulder throw 40 yards down the left side of the field to A.T. Perry, setting the Steelers up inside the five yard-line. The rookie continues to make notable plays despite the defense holding the offense out of the end zone.NegativeRoleJul 31, 2026
Allar is McCarthy's hand-picked developmental quarterback receiving one-on-one coaching with the third and fourth teams; while he has less to prove than Howard, the increased coaching attention from the new head coach shows McCarthy is committed to his long-term development as a potential future franchise QB.PositiveRoleJul 31, 2026
Drew Allar is finding purpose in every snap at training camp, indicating strong engagement and development in the Steelers' quarterback room during the 2026 offseason.PositiveRoleJul 31, 2026
Drew Allar is finding purpose in every snap at training camp, indicating consistent involvement and development in the quarterback depth chart.PositiveRoleJul 30, 2026
Rookie QB had another solid Day 2 performance with multiple strong throws, including a crosser to Brandon Smith and layered passes to A.T. Perry over linebackers and safeties. The source notes clear improvement in footwork and rhythm compared to his Penn State film.PositiveRoleJul 30, 2026
Third-round pick Allar is undergoing significant processing and footwork refinement under new head coach Mike McCarthy during training camp. McCarthy has a track record of developing quarterbacks (Aaron Rodgers, Dak Prescott). Allar's college career showed strong completion percentage (63.2%, first all-time at Penn State) and efficiency (7,402 yards, 61 TDs, 13 INTs in 45 games, 35 starts), though accuracy and clutch performances in big games were concerns. McCarthy's emphasis on detail-oriented work and intentional footwork/reads in individual drills is reshaping Allar's approach; Allar stated the biggest lesson is having "a purpose behind every rep." Allar has "all the tools necessary to be a starting quarterback," though significant work remains. First preseason appearance scheduled for August 13 vs. Green Bay at home.PositiveProjectionJul 29, 2026
Allar had the best moments of any quarterback on Day 1 of Steelers training camp, firing a touchdown pass to tight end Robert Tonyan on the final play and connecting on an impressive over-the-middle throw to Max Hurleman in seven-on-sevens that would have gone for a touchdown. Though he also threw an interception on a deflected ball and had two more batted down, the source notes it was encouraging to see exciting throws from the third-round pick despite him being a work in progress.PositiveProjectionJul 29, 2026
The Penn State rookie had the two best throws of any quarterback during team drills on Day One of the quarterback battle with Will Howard; he ripped a seam shot to Max Hurleman in seven-on-sevens and closed practice with a touchdown pass down the middle to Robert Tonyan from 15 yards out. While he had a few throws he would have liked back—a check down tipped by Cole Holcomb that was picked off by Payton Wilson and a tight-window corner route nearly intercepted—the source notes it was admirable seeing him take chances when others would simply throw easy pitches-and-catches to the flat, though more precision on tight-window throws would be ideal. Overall, it's a practice he can walk away happy with his performance.NegativeDepth ChartJul 28, 2026
Taking third-team QB reps at Steelers training camp alongside Will Howard, behind starter Russell Wilson and second-team QB Mason Rudolph. Allar is competing for the backup quarterback role as the Steelers evaluate their depth chart.NegativeRoleJul 27, 2026
Drew Allar signed a rookie contract with the Steelers, securing his position on the roster as a quarterback prospect.NegativeDepth ChartJul 26, 2026
Drew Allar, drafted in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, is all but guaranteed a spot on the Steelers' roster. The backup QB competition between Mason Rudolph and Will Howard will determine who fills what is likely the final spot on the roster, with Allar's roster position essentially secured.NegativeRoleJul 25, 2026
Quarterback signed to rookie contract by the Steelers; recent roster move as part of Pittsburgh's quarterback evaluation and potential long-term planning.NegativeRoleJul 24, 2026
Rookie third-round pick (76th overall) signed to contract with Pittsburgh Steelers; will compete throughout training camp and preseason for a roster spot behind Aaron Rodgers alongside Will Howard and Mason Rudolph. Allar was selected from Penn State, where he threw for 7,402 yards, 61 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions over his college career.NegativeRoleJul 23, 2026
Allar is largely expected to stay as the QB3 initially, but he'll want to start showing the 'it' factor earlier than later as the Steelers are speeding towards having to gamble on their next franchise quarterback in 2027.PositiveDepth ChartJul 22, 2026
Third-round draft pick in April 2024 with the safest roster spot among the three backup quarterbacks competing for depth chart positions; his draft capital and recent selection provide job security in the Steelers' QB room.