The Pittsburgh Steelers’ third-round pick, QB Drew Allar, is facing early challenges in OTA practices, prompting criticism from The Athletic's Mike DeFabo, who highlighted his inaccurate passing and need for mechanical improvements. DeFabo indicated that Allar is not ready for NFL play and emphasized that the coaching staff is focusing on refining his fundamentals. This poses a dilemma for the Steelers as they manage their quarterback depth chart, particularly with Mason Rudolph's NFL experience and rising star Will Howard’s consistent performance in early practices.

By the Numbers
  • Drew Allar was selected with the No. 76 overall pick in the draft.
  • Allar has been described as needing "considerable work" on his mechanics, specifically footwork.
State of Play
  • Drew Allar's passing accuracy has been a concern during OTAs.
  • Will Howard has reportedly looked "sharp" in early practices and is learning the new system well.
What's Next

The Steelers’ roster decisions will become clearer as they approach training camp, especially if injuries arise that could affect the quarterback situation. As Allar develops, the focus will remain on his ability to improve his mechanics and passing accuracy before the regular season.

Bottom Line

The Steelers are committed to developing Drew Allar as a project player, likely at the cost of losing experience elsewhere on the depth chart. Balancing the future potential of Allar with the immediate needs of the roster will be a critical challenge for the coaching staff.