Steelers go heavy on qb, defense in 2026 draft

Pittsburgh’s gamble on Drew Allar, a Penn State quarterback hampered by injury, signals a bold shift in their long-term strategy. The Steelers aren’t simply rebuilding; they’re aggressively pursuing a contender.

Allar’s return, a risky bet

The selection of Allar with the 76th pick – a third-round maneuver – immediately thrusts him into a crowded quarterback room alongside Will Howard and veteran Mason Rudolph. The team is clearly banking on a full recovery and a resurgence after a truncated 2025 season. It’s a calculated risk, to be sure, but one that speaks volumes about the front office’s belief in his potential. The Combine performance, despite the lingering questions surrounding his health, offered a glimmer of hope – a 4.38 40-yard dash and a respectable vertical jump.

Cornerback and line strength

But Pittsburgh wasn’t solely focused on the quarterback position. The drafting of Daylen Everette, a Georgia cornerback who blazed through the Combine with a 4.38 40, demonstrates a commitment to bolstering their defensive backfield. His athleticism is undeniable – 6’1”, 196 pounds – and he’ll instantly compete for playing time. And then there’s Gennings Dunker, an offensive lineman who traded up to secure Iowa’s standout tackle. The Steelers are betting on Dunker to transition to guard, a position where his experience and tenacity could prove invaluable. It’s an investment in the line’s foundation, a strategic move designed to provide stability and protection for the inevitable pressure.

A qb depth chart in flux

Let’s be frank: Aaron Rodgers is still the presumed starter. But the presence of Allar, Everette, and Dunker represents a genuine depth chart competition. The Steelers are stacking talent, and the coming seasons will reveal whether this aggressive approach pays off. The 2026 draft wasn’t just about filling needs; it was about cultivating a future, one that, frankly, feels decidedly uncertain at the quarterback spot. Yet, they're playing the long game, and that, in itself, is a statement.