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

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. Mike McCarthy on Drew Allar at #Steelers rookie camp: "Physically gifted thrower of the football. But he's no different than any other young, talented quarterback I've been fortunate to work with.

" Noted that there's always different in how each QB is taught, and they're… — Christopher Carter (@CarterCritiques) May 9, 2026 . 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.