The 2026 NFL Draft has concluded, and teams will now begin the next phase of the offseason. All 32 franchises will integrate their rookie talent into their rosters as they pursue victories in 2026.
Every team and fan base walks away from the draft believing it won the board. Some even claim they found the biggest steal.
One team may have actually found that steal—if its newly hired head coach delivers on expectations.
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When the Pittsburgh Steelers hired Mike McCarthy, the move drew polarized reactions. Some fans embraced the return of a homegrown coach, while others opposed it.
Still, the hire signaled two clear possibilities: Aaron Rodgers has incentive to return, and McCarthy is expected to identify the next franchise quarterback.
To meet that expectation, McCarthy must find and develop a young quarterback who can push the Steelers into contention. Many believed his high praise of Will Howard indicated that he would be the choice.
Instead, the answer was in front of us all along. The Steelers selected Drew Allar from Penn State with the 76th overall pick. The move sparked mixed reactions, but it may ultimately prove to be the biggest steal of the draft.
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With three third-round picks, the Steelers had flexibility. After bolstering the offensive line and adding to the receiver room, they had room to take a calculated risk.
Allar may justify that gamble. His draft position presents moderate risk, but his upside offers significant reward.
Many of Allar’s flaws stem from his raw development as a passer. His mechanics—especially his footwork—remain underdeveloped, leading to inconsistent accuracy. However, refining those issues is exactly what McCarthy was hired to do.
Allar’s upside becomes clear on film. He possesses a powerful arm, impressive pocket movement, and prototypical size for the position.
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McCarthy faces a significant challenge. Allar’s draft stock once projected him as a top-five pick before it fell into the late-third to early-fifth round range.
His talent alone once placed him among the top prospects. Now the question is whether McCarthy can unlock that potential.
Allar will have a strong supporting cast in Pittsburgh. The receiving corps has been retooled, the team features two standout tight ends, the offensive line continues to improve, and the backfield remains deep.
If Rodgers returns, Allar will also have the opportunity to develop behind one of the NFL’s all-time greats. Still, expectations should remain measured; Allar is not guaranteed to become the future of the franchise.
However, if the Steelers’ gamble on McCarthy pays off, it will likely do so through Allar emerging as the team’s long-term answer at quarterback.