Steelers want to fix this about Drew Allar after Penn State experiences

Shortly after the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Penn State quarterback Drew Allar in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, Penn State associate head coach Terry Smith suggested that Allar wasn't always put "in the best scenario" to succeed during his college career. 

During a Wednesday morning "SportsCenter" segment, Steelers reporter Brooke Pryor of ESPN touched upon how Pittsburgh head coach Mike McCarthy began working to "fix" Allar during recent rookie minicamp sessions. 

Steelers "uninstalling everything" Drew Allar previously learned

"They're essentially uninstalling everything he's learned, and they're re-uploading their own methods and fundamentals and mechanics with Allar," Pryor said about Pittsburgh's handling of Allar, per Ross McCorkle of Steelers Depot. "I watched Mike McCarthy and quarterbacks coach Tom Arth be very intentional with Allar, who's running at about half speed, working on his footwork throughout that practice. And Allar said afterward that they're working on widening his base, keeping him off of his toes. And that's something that Mike McCarthy said is gonna help him process even more and just move faster throughout things as he gets acclimated to the NFL."

Such comments indicate Allar is more of a project for the future than fans hoping he could play later this year may want to believe. That said, it still seems as if future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers will soon re-sign with Pittsburgh to return to his role of serving as the team's starting quarterback. Longtime backup Mason Rudolph and 2025 rookie Will Howard are currently above Allar on the depth chart. 

Drew Allar working on these goals during springtime workouts

"For Allar specifically, it's not only about getting comfortable under center, but it's also about making sure his physical foundation is strong," Pryor shared for an article published on Wednesday about Allar's performances during rookie minicamp. "...While Allar's goal, of course, is to complete his passes in every period, several of his throws during one-on-ones went long as he missed the mark. But McCarthy wasn't worried about those incompletions."

For what it's worth, Drake Maye of the New England Patriots was responsible for some worrisome footwork during the first summer of his pro career. The 2024 first-round draft pick then became a MVP finalist as he led the 2025 Patriots to a Super Bowl appearance.  

Unlike Maye, Allar shouldn't play as a rookie unless disaster strikes the Steelers. Allar having extra time to improve his footwork before he has to face a live defense in a meaningful game could help him reach the expectations many had for him at this time last year.