Steelers select QB Drew Allar in third round of NFL draft - ESPN

PITTSBURGH — It's a Pennsylvania fairytale, or something like it.

As they continue to await word from Aaron Rodgers, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Drew Allar in the third round with the No. 76 pick of the NFL draft, adding to their quarterback room in front of a raucous hometown crowd that roared as the former Penn State star was announced.

Even more fitting: former Penn State and current Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and his dad Joey Porter Sr. unveiled the pick on stage Friday night.

«It was just a lot of anticipation kind of throughout the day and in the last couple of weeks, honestly, but very excited for the opportunity I have to be a Pittsburgh Steeler,» Allar said. «It's definitely a dream come true to play for such a great organization and fulfill my dream of having the opportunity to play in the NFL.»

In an ironic twist, Allar, an Ohio native, was a big Cleveland Browns fan growing up.

Those days, though, are over.

«I guess that's kind of gone out the window right now,» Allar said with a laugh. «but I'm very excited to be a Steeler.… Honestly, at my time at Penn State, I got a lot more familiar with, obviously the whole state of PA, but especially Pittsburgh.

»I know how serious the culture is around sports in Pittsburgh and how much pride the fans take in all the pro teams."

Though Rodgers' future is uncertain, quarterbacks coach Tom Arth downplayed the idea that adding Allar affects the four-time MVP.

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

Though his senior season was cut short with a knee injury, Allar finished his Penn State career with 61 passing touchdowns and 7,402 passing yards.