Drew Allar Learns from Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy with Steelers

Drew Allar Embraces the Mentorship of Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy

The Pittsburgh Steelers stunned observers when they selected the former Penn State standout with the 76th overall pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. While collegiate injuries, inconsistent performances, and coaching staff shifts altered his trajectory after a promising start, his physical traits and raw abilities remain intact.

Now stationed in Pittsburgh, the rookie is leaning into a unique developmental environment. Allar shared his enthusiasm regarding the chance to absorb knowledge from veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers.

“I’m really excited to learn from him. With him being in Coach McCarthy’s system in Green Bay, it’s beneficial because he knows the system inside and out, even though he hasn’t played in it in five or six years at this point. And just everything he’s going through in his career, playing in tens of thousands of snaps, how much experience and knowledge he has — the nuances of playing the position of quarterback, reading coverages, the defensive tendencies — any little thing I can pick up to help me process faster and be more accurate, I’m all in for it.”

Drew Allar, via Eric Williams

Jerome Bettis Points to a Rare Opportunity for Pittsburgh’s Rookie

Steelers legend and Super Bowl champion Jerome Bettis emphasized the unusual advantage handed to the young quarterback in his rookie campaign. Bettis noted that having a Hall of Fame-caliber player in the same quarterback room offers a springboard for long-term career growth.

“Hopefully he can pick up a whole lot. When you have a Hall of Fame player at your position in the building, you should soak up everything you can. Hopefully that happens, and Drew sees it, understands it, and utilizes it. Because that’s a rare opportunity to have a player of that stature and ability in the building, so hopefully that helps springboard him to a great career as well.”

Jerome Bettis, via Action Network

You look at him, he’s a dynamic football player. He’s made some bad decisions in his day, and I think that’s what you gotta clean up. But you look at the physical traits and ability, it’s there, Bettis added.

Mason Rudolph and the Reality of Training Camp Competition in Latrobe

Out in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, Mason Rudolph enters his ninth NFL season facing familiar roster questions. Having outlasted multiple high-draft picks and journeymen throughout his career in Pittsburgh, Rudolph views the crowded quarterback room with pragmatic realism.

“Allar is heading into the season as a developmental quarterback who likely won’t touch the field during the 2026 season. Because of where he was drafted, his roster spot is all but guaranteed. Will Howard and Mason Rudolph will be the quarterbacks battling for a place on the 53-man roster. With Aaron Rodgers as his mentor and proven quarterback guru Mike McCarthy assisting in Allar’s development, the young signal-caller could very well receive the starting job in 2027. But he’ll likely need to fend off Howard, who’s also vying for the Steelers’ QB1 role when Rodgers retires.”

Andrew Vasquez, Steelers Wire

Navigating the Quarterback Room Behind Aaron Rodgers

With four quarterbacks carrying into camp, roster constraints mean tough decisions lie ahead for head coach Mike McCarthy and the front office. Holding onto four healthy quarterbacks remains mathematically possible, but analysts consider it unlikely.

Rudolph continues to log reps with the second team while Allar and Will Howard split time throwing during camp sessions. As camp progresses over the summer months, the focus remains on who secures the immediate backup responsibilities and who positions themselves as the eventual successor when Rodgers departs.