Steelers QB Drew Allar earns praise from Mike McCarthy after rookie minicamp

TL;DR

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Drew Allar received praise from head coach Mike McCarthy during rookie minicamp. McCarthy highlighted Allar's physical talent while advising caution as he transitions to the NFL.

Key points

Drew Allar is a rookie quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Mike McCarthy praised Allar's physical tools during minicamp.
Allar was selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
He had a standout career at Penn State but faced production inconsistencies.
The Steelers are waiting on a decision from Aaron Rodgers.

Mentioned in this story

Penn State Nittany LionsMike McCarthyAaron Rodgers

Drew AllarPittsburgh Steelers

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 28: Drew Allar of the Penn State Nittany Lions throws a pass during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Pittsburgh Steelers got their first extended look at rookie quarterback Drew Allar this weekend during rookie minicamp, and first-year Steelers’ head coach Mike McCarthy offered an interesting early assessment of the former Penn State standout. Speaking after practice on Saturday, McCarthy praised Allar’s physical tools while also tempering expectations as the young quarterback begins his NFL development. “Physically gifted thrower of the football, but he’s no different than any other young talented quarterback I’ve been fortunate to work with,” McCarthy said. .The Steelers remain in a bit of a holding pattern as they continue to wait on a decision from veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but for now the spotlight is squarely on Allar as he begins his transition to the professional level. Selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, Allar enters the league with plenty of intrigue. During his time at Penn State, the quarterback flashed elite arm talent and prototypical size, though his production often failed to consistently match his physical traits. That combination has made him one of the more fascinating developmental quarterbacks in this rookie class. Fortunately for Allar, he lands with a coach known for working closely with quarterbacks throughout his career. McCarthy has helped develop and coach some of the NFL’s biggest names over the years, and the Steelers are clearly hoping he can help unlock Allar’s full potential as the franchise looks toward its future under center. ***Let us know what you think in the comments***. ***Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!***

Q&A

What did Mike McCarthy say about Drew Allar's performance at minicamp?

Mike McCarthy praised Drew Allar as a physically gifted thrower but cautioned that he is still a young quarterback in development.

How did Drew Allar perform at Penn State before joining the Steelers?

Drew Allar showed elite arm talent and prototypical size at Penn State, though his production was inconsistent.

What is the Steelers' current quarterback situation with Aaron Rodgers?

The Steelers are awaiting a decision from veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers while focusing on the development of rookie Drew Allar.