Steelers want competition at QB, Allar knows what’s ahead

PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Steelers quarterbacks coach Tom Arth is not the decision-maker when it comes to a QB competition, but he wasn’t going to sugarcoat what Drew Allar was getting into after being drafted in the third round on Friday.

“Drew and I actually had that conversation when he was on his visit and said, ‘Hey, how's that going to go- coming into the room with Will Howard?’, Arth said with local reporters. “He was excited. He said, ‘I got to know Will a little bit. He's a great guy. He's great player. And, you know, I'd love to be able to work with him.’

“So, I think that's exciting when you have competition and you have people that really understand that at the end of the day it's about bringing the best out in one another. And when you have that healthy respect and that healthy type of

competition, the sky's the limit.”

Allar agreed that he understood the situation. But what is the situation?

First off, Arth endorsed the idea of Allar being a developmental quarterback. He said they have a great plan for the Penn Stater and believe he’s in a great position to learn from veteran Mason Rudolph and Howard.

But what does that mean for Aaron Rodgers potentially coming back? To this point he remains in communication with the Steelers but has yet to announce his future plans.

“I don’t believe that has any impact on Aaron,” Arth said diplomatically. “Certainly, we're here for Drew and excited about his moment and excited to have him in this room.”

Arth described Allar, and Howard for that matter, as ultra-competitive individuals. In order for either to get to this point they have to be and he believes it will only bring out the best in both of the young quarterbacks.

Drew Allar's thoughts on being drafted by Steelers

While coaching at the University of Akron, Arth watched Allar play since he was a young teenager in Medina, Ohio and offered him a scholarship. He said he’s not surprised he is now in the NFL. He noticed the talent, ability, stature and a number of qualities to get him to this level.

“I think he throws it as well as any quarterback in this draft class,” Arth said. “He has an effortless arm. He can make every single throw on the field. And, he's a better athlete than, I think, given credit for.”

“In a few games, this past year and the year previous, when the game was on the line, and he had to take off and go, you know, he was able to do that. So, I think that's exciting.”

“But, in addition to the type of guy he is, and his intelligence as a football player, and his arm talent and all those things, I think he has a very high ceiling. I don't think he has reached his potential yet as a player. And certainly, coming here to Pittsburgh and being in a very quarterback-friendly system with Coach McCarthy, and, his proven track record and success of developing quarterbacks. I really think this is a great spot for Drew. It's great for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but I think it's a great place for Drew, because I think our operation, our organization, our coaching staff, is truly going to help him develop into becoming the best player that he can be.”

Arth was careful not to say starter, acknowledging he’s not a finished product. What he appreciates is the potential to improve as he cleans up some fundamentals, notably his footwork. Both Arth and Allar agree he needs to be more consistent.

What Arth believes Allar does have is the intangible to play when December hits in the division.

“He's big, number one, he's a big, strong, physical player,” Arth said. “He has big hands. He has a strong arm. You know. He's built to last. And, I think that when you're talking about playing in the elements, and playing the physical brand of football that it is in the AFC North, you need a guy like that. And, Drew certainly fits that mold.”

The sky is the limit for the Steelers quarterback room according to Arth.

What an interesting collection of players, especially if Rodgers returns. Every rep of camp will be scrutinized.

“He’s going to make our team better,” Arth said. “He’s going to make our locker room better.”