Former QB echoes Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger about Drew Allar alarms

Pittsburgh Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger wasn't all that big a fan of his former club grabbing quarterback Drew Allar in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. That was before Roethlisberger was alarmed by what he saw of Allar's performances during springtime practices. 

During a recent appearance on CBS Sports HQ, former NFL quarterback and current analyst Danny Kanell also voiced concerns about the Steelers taking a flier on Allar. 

Drew Allar never took that "next step" in college

"I hated it because I thought it was a reach," Kanell said about Pittsburgh drafting Allar, per Troy Montgomery of Steelers Depot. "Drew Allar is somebody who has such tantalizing skills...But you never saw him develop and take that next step as a player."

For what it's worth, Penn State associate head coach Terry Smith suggested earlier this spring that Allar wasn't always put "in the best scenario" to succeed while with the Nittany Lions. It has since been revealed that the Steelers are basically "uninstalling" all that Allar previously learned and are "re-uploading their own methods and fundamentals and mechanics." 

Such a comment could lead one to believe that Steelers head coach and advertised quarterback guru Mike McCarthy could "fix" Allar. Kanell seems to think McCarthy will face an uphill battle as it pertains to Allar's overall development. 

Drew Allar isn't close to being an NFL QB1?

"To me, it wasn't anything mechanical," Kanell added about Allar. "It wasn't anything with the system. It was more to do about Drew Allar. He was so conservative and became a bit of a 'Checkdown Charlie'...This is somebody who has to take a massive, massive step forward on the field in order to be the franchise quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers."

Even if Kanell is accurate in his assessment, the good news for the Steelers is that they shouldn't have to rush Allar into action anytime soon. Aaron Rodgers should be Pittsburgh's QB1 through at least January 2027, and people within the organization seem serious about giving 2025 rookie Will Howard a chance to be Rodgers' primary backup this fall. 

Thus, Allar may have plenty of time to "take a massive, massive step forward" in his development before he has to face a live defense in a meaningful pro game.