Steelers’ Drew Allar pick perplexes Bruce Feldman amid ‘performance anxiety’ criticism

The Pittsburgh Steelers used the 76th overall pick, acquired through the George Pickens trade with Dallas, to select Penn State quarterback Drew Allar.

A polarizing prospect with impressive physical attributes, Allar finished his collegiate career with over 7,400 passing yards and 61 touchdowns.

Despite suffering an ankle injury that shortened his 2025 season, he made history as one of only three FBS players to throw over 1,000 passes while allowing fewer than 15 interceptions.

However, this selection has sparked significant debate among draft experts.

In a report for The New York Times, Bruce Feldman noted that many analysts are perplexed by the pick, citing concerns about Allar’s ability to perform under pressure.

One NFL personnel director offered a blunt assessment of Allar’s “performance anxiety.”

While the director acknowledged Allar’s impressive physical traits and ability to process the game well, he stated that Allar lacks a “killer” instinct.

Using a basketball analogy, the director likened Allar to a player who appears elite during pre-game warm-ups but disappears during actual games.

This criticism raises doubts about Allar’s mental readiness for the high-pressure NFL environment, which is a major concern for the Pittsburgh front office.

Despite these worries, some insiders view the pick as a necessary insurance policy for a franchise currently linked to Aaron Rodgers.

ESPN’s Dan Graziano believes it’s realistic to expect Allar to start by 2027, rather than viewing it as an overreaction.

With Rodgers entering his mid-40s and his return for the 2026 season still uncertain, Allar has the chance to learn and develop.

If he decides to retire by 2027, Allar’s main competition, Mason Rudolph and Will Howard, may find themselves sidelined if the Penn State product can overcome his “layup line” reputation and prove his critics wrong.

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