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brooke prior
multiple authors
PITTSBURGH–It’s a Pennsylvania fairy tale, or something like that.
Since they keep waiting for the message aaron rodgersThe pittsburgh steelers selected Drew Allar in the third round with the No. 76 pick of the NFL Draft, in his quarterback room in front of a raucous hometown crowd that roared like never before penn state The star was announced.
Even more fitting: Former Penn State and current Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr.. And his father, Joey Porter Sr., unveiled the pick on stage Friday night.
“Throughout the day and the last few weeks, honestly, there was a lot of anticipation, but I’m very excited for the opportunity to be a Pittsburgh Steeler,” Allar said. “Playing for such a great organization and achieving my dream of having the opportunity to play in the NFL is definitely a dream come true.”
In an ironic twist, Allar, a native of Ohio, was a large cleveland browns The fanbase is getting bigger.
However, those days are over.
“I think it just went out the window,” Allar said, laughing. “But I’m very excited to be a Steeler… Honestly, during my time at Penn State, I obviously became a lot more familiar with the entire state of PA, but especially Pittsburgh.
“I know how serious the culture is around sports in Pittsburgh and how proud the fans are of all the professional teams.”
Although Rodgers’ future is uncertain, quarterbacks coach Tom Arth dismissed the idea that adding Elar would impact the four-time MVP.
“I don’t think it will have any effect on Aaron,” Arth said. “Obviously, we’re here for Drew and excited for his moment and excited to have him in this room.”
Although his senior season was cut short due to an ankle injury, Allard finished his Penn State career with 61 passing touchdowns and 7,402 passing yards. Allard’s career record against AP-ranked top-10 opponents was 1–6, and in those games, he completed 50.3% of his passes and averaged 5.5 yards per attempt.
But Artha avoided the measurables and intangibles of Allar, saying he believed the 22-year-old had not reached his peak.
“His size is rare,” Arth said. “He’s 6-5, 235 pounds. He’s got big hands. And I think what’s most exciting, certainly when you’re talking about the quarterback position, is this guy can throw the football. And I think he throws it just as well as any quarterback in this draft class. He’s got a smooth arm. He can make every single throw on the field. And he’s a better athlete than I think he’s given credit for. … More of a football player. In terms of his intelligence and his arm talent and all those things, I think he has I don’t think he has reached his potential yet as a player.”
By selecting Allard with their highest third-round selection, the Steelers signaled their confidence and desire in new head coach Mike McCarthy to develop a young quarterback – an ability he emphasized during his interview process.
The Steelers also have an experienced backup. mason rudolph and second-year signal-caller Will HowardJoe missed most of his rookie season due to a training camp injury to his little finger.
Arth and McCarthy will have the task of developing Elar and Howard, but Arth said he believes the former Big Ten quarterbacks will help bring out the best in each other.
“These are two very competitive guys,” Arth said. “If they didn’t they certainly wouldn’t be where they are in their careers. … I think we’ll have a great plan for [their reps]. “I’m fortunate to have a really good room right now with Mason Rudolph and his experience, certainly in the NFL, but obviously here in Pittsburgh as well, for both Will and now Drew to learn from.”
