Steelers Predicted to Draft Penn State QB Drew Allar in Round 3 After George Pickens Trade

The Pittsburgh Steelers may have quietly positioned themselves for a long-term quarterback solution — and it could come through one of the most intriguing draft scenarios projected for 2026. According to NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter, the Pittsburgh Steelers are predicted to select Drew Allar in the third round of his updated three-round mock draft, using the pick acquired from a trade that sent wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys.

The projection has immediately sparked debate among fans and analysts, as it suggests Pittsburgh could be planning a strategic, long-term approach to stabilizing the quarterback position rather than pursuing an immediate blockbuster solution. By targeting Allar in the middle rounds, the Steelers would be betting on upside — a calculated gamble on a once highly touted prospect whose stock dipped due to an injury-marred 2025 college season.

Allar entered the 2025 campaign with enormous expectations. As the starting quarterback for the Penn State Nittany Lions, he was widely viewed as one of the most promising signal-callers in college football and a potential early-round NFL Draft selection. Standing out for his arm strength, poise in the pocket, and prototypical size, Allar was expected to lead Penn State through a championship-contending season while solidifying his status as one of the top quarterbacks in the class.

However, his trajectory took an unexpected turn when injuries limited him to just six games during the season. The reduced sample size made it difficult for scouts to fully evaluate his development and consistency against elite competition. As a result, his draft stock cooled, allowing other quarterbacks — including LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier — to leap ahead in projections. In Reuter’s mock draft, Allar becomes the fifth quarterback selected, highlighting both the depth of the class and the uncertainty surrounding his evaluation.

For the Steelers, this scenario could represent a classic “buy-low” opportunity. Rather than investing a premium first-round pick on a quarterback with a more polished résumé but potentially lower ceiling, Pittsburgh could use a mid-round selection to acquire a high-upside developmental prospect. The strategy aligns with the franchise’s historical approach of balancing immediate competitiveness with long-term roster planning.

The trade that hypothetically provides this draft capital adds another layer of intrigue. Moving on from George Pickens, a dynamic but sometimes polarizing receiver, would signal a willingness to reshape the offensive identity in pursuit of stability at the game’s most important position. If the Steelers truly believe that a future franchise quarterback could emerge from the middle rounds, the trade would be viewed less as a loss of talent and more as a strategic reallocation of resources.

From a football perspective, Allar’s skill set fits the mold of what many teams seek in a modern NFL quarterback. His strong arm allows him to stretch the field vertically, while his size and pocket presence make him capable of absorbing pressure and delivering throws in tight windows. When healthy, he has shown flashes of high-level decision-making and the ability to operate within structured offensive systems — traits that are especially appealing for a coaching staff known for valuing discipline and execution.

Still, the risks are clear. Selecting a quarterback in the third round inherently carries uncertainty, particularly one coming off an injury-impacted season. The Steelers would need to be confident in their evaluation process, believing that Allar’s limited 2025 playing time does not accurately reflect his long-term potential. Developmental quarterbacks often require patience, and there would be no guarantee of immediate returns on the investment.

Head coach Mike Tomlin has long emphasized the importance of competition and internal growth, suggesting that any rookie quarterback would likely enter a structured development plan rather than being rushed into a starting role. This approach could benefit Allar, allowing him to refine his mechanics, adapt to NFL speed, and gradually assume greater responsibility within the offense.

The broader context of the 2026 quarterback class also makes this projection particularly fascinating. With several highly regarded prospects expected to be selected early, teams drafting later may need to balance urgency with patience. For Pittsburgh, selecting Allar in the third round could represent a middle ground — addressing the future of the position without sacrificing premium picks needed to strengthen other areas of the roster.

Fan reaction to the prediction has been mixed but passionate. Some supporters view the potential move as a savvy long-term play, trusting the organization’s track record of identifying and developing talent. Others question whether passing on higher-ranked quarterbacks in earlier rounds would be too conservative in a league increasingly dominated by elite signal-callers.

Ultimately, Reuter’s projection highlights the strategic crossroads facing the Steelers. Do they chase an immediate splash at quarterback through early draft capital or trades, or do they invest in a developmental prospect who could grow into the role over time? Selecting Drew Allar in the third round would signal belief in patience, coaching development, and the idea that franchise quarterbacks can still emerge from outside the top tier of draft selections.

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the speculation will only intensify. Whether or not the Steelers ultimately follow this projected path, the scenario underscores the franchise’s ongoing search for long-term stability at quarterback — a pursuit that could define the next era of Pittsburgh football.