Steelers projected to take boom‑or‑bust QB in early 2026 mock draft

STATE COLLEGE, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 11: Drew Allar #15 of the Penn State Nittany Lions looks to pass the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium on October 11, 2025 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers are still looking for their franchise quarterback as the 2026 NFL Draft enters their own backyard.

While the 21st overall pick will prevent them from landing Indiana star quarterback Fernando Mendoza or potentially another fast-rising prospect, could the Steelers find their answer in the middle rounds?

Chad Reuter of NFL.com is projecting the Steelers to take a flyer on a former projected first-round pick in his latest three-round mock. Reuter has the Steelers selecting Penn State quarterback Drew Allar in the third round (No. 76 overall).

The Steelers have multiple picks in the third round and would be selecting Allar with the pick acquired from the Dallas Cowboys for George Pickens.

Allar entered the 2025 college football season as one of the top quarterback prospects in the country. A season-ending ankle injury against Northwestern limited the senior signal caller to six games and ended his Penn State career. In 45 career games, Allar owns a 63% completion rate with 62 touchdowns compared to 13 interceptions. He threw for 7,402 yards, 1,100 as a senior, and was a three-year starter for the Nittany Lions.

#Steelers Draft Profile: Drew Allar, QB Penn State

Pros:
- Prototypical NFL size with a strong arm

- Excellent sack avoidance and pocket
movement

- Low turnover-worthy play rate

- Displays good touch and ability to layer throws when his base is solid

Cons:
- Inaccurate when... pic.twitter.com/7JZZAGR0Dv

- Steelers Draft HQ (@SteelersDraftt) February 2, 2026

Penn State entered the season as the No. 2 team in the country and was projected by many to win its first national championship in nearly 40 years. A 6-foot-5 quarterback from Medina, Ohio, Allar had good moments but never fully lived up to the hype of becoming a high first-round pick.

Allar performed well in games Penn State was projected to win, but struggled in big moments. He threw game-clinching interceptions against Oregon twice and in the College Football Playoff semifinal loss to Notre Dame. Allar finished his career 0-4 against Oregon and Ohio State.

Rueter had the Miami Dolphins selecting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (LSU) one pick ahead of the Steelers.

Pittsburgh will host the 2026 NFL Draft outside Acrisure Stadium from April 23-25.