USA Today dubs Allar pick a "whiff" by the Steelers

Yesterday afternoon, Drew Allar was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 76th pick of the 2026 NFL draft. While many people thought that Allar was a decent pick up for the Steelers as a developmental prospect, others did not love the move as much. One in particular was Michael Middlehurdt-Schwartz of USA Today, who labeled the Steelers as losers of day 2 of the draft for selecting Allar.

He mentioned that while the Steelers were potentially searching for Rodgers' long term replacement, taking a chance on Allar was not ideal. In fact he went so far as to day that Allar, "resembles an ideal at quarterback but doesn't come close to actually embodying one". For some, this statement is quite harsh considering Allar's career arc. After an impressive junior season that saw him throw for over 3,300 yards and 24 touchdowns and lead his team to the CFP semifinals, his senior season was cut short by a devastating injury.

This left Allar's draft status in question as well, with many saying he could even go undrafted should the injury have affected his pre-draft process. Nevertheless, after an impressive combine performance, his name crept back onto draft boards, as more teams grew intrigued by his talent.

Only time will tell of Middlehurst-Schwartz's comments ring true. After all, Allar is not immediately expected to be thrown into the fire this season. Still, Middlehurst-Schwartz's pointed comments are the biggest indictment of Allar possible.

This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Steelers' Drew Allar pick draws writer's criticism