Steelers’ Mike McCarthy Reveals Bold Drew Allar Outlook

Steelers In Great Spot at QB

The first preseason game is just a stepping stone. It’s not something you can overreact to, but McCarthy was understandably impressed with the quarterback situation. Unlike the past few seasons, the Steelers are finally in a good place at QB.

The Steelers have their starter in Aaron Rodgers and a true competition for the backup position between Mason Rudolph and Howard. That’s miles better than where this team was heading into the 2025 season. Allar didn’t become the face of the franchise’s future, and Howard didn’t prove he can start 50 games in the NFL, but they both showed the promise surrounding them is worth investing in.

For the first time in years, the Steelers aren’t sweating the quarterback situation. If McCarthy accomplishes nothing else of note during his first season as the head coach, he will already have a successful year under his belt.

Was Allar Worth A First Round Pick?

This is where the argument begins. For my money, this is nothing more than coach speak. Sure, McCarthy is thrilled with what Allar did in his debut. How could he not be?

But if Allar was truly a first-round player, why did it take until the third round for the Steelers to take him? Why didn’t they pull the trigger on him at pick No. 21 or when they traded up in the second round?

Well, that’s because no one really thought of Allar as a first-round player. The potential is sky-high, and maybe you can make the argument that he enters the NFL with similar expectations, but that’s far from declaring him one of the 32 best players from his class.

The Steelers got their man when Allar fell to the third round, but this commentary from McCarthy was eye-popping. Maybe he was just gassing up his players. Or, maybe the Steelers’ head coach felt it was time to make it clear just how impressed he is with his rookie quarterback.