Rodgers Ranks 28th

by Bo Marchionte
@bomarchionte | College2Pro.com
Published July 19, 2026, 7:56 AM

Steelers Stable Metrics: Experience Meets the Future

The Steelers enter training camp with one of the NFL’s most intriguing quarterback rooms. Aaron Rodgers brings four MVP awards and nearly two decades of elite production, while Mason Rudolph returns after proving he can stabilize an offense when called upon.

Behind them are two developmental quarterbacks in Will Howard and rookie Drew Allar, each viewed as long-term investments.

With 32 starting quarterbacks in the National Football League, Rodgers PFF grade of 28 does cause for concern. The glimmer of hope he’ll improve is having Mike McCarthy on the sidelines again.

Unlike previous position groups, only Rodgers and Rudolph qualify for PFF’s Stable Metrics.

Quarterback Room

  • Aaron Rodgers – 68.0 PFF Grade (28th of 38)
  • Mason Rudolph – 52.8 PFF Grade (Did Not Qualify)
  • Will Howard – No NFL Grade
  • Drew Allar – Rookie (No NFL Grade)

The Veteran Still Chasing Another Run

Rodgers enters Pittsburgh with one of the most decorated resumes in NFL history. While his overall 2025 grade slipped to 68.0, his stable metrics paint a quarterback who still protects the football and minimizes negative plays.

His best marks came when throwing beyond the sticks and avoiding sacks, suggesting he remains capable of creating explosive plays despite entering his 40s.

It is remarkable his career grades illustrate nearly two decades of elite quarterback play, with numerous seasons graded above 90.

PFF Stable Metrics

  • Clean Pocket Grade: 26th percentile
  • Standard Dropback: 24th percentile
  • 1st/2nd Down: 22nd percentile
  • No Play Action: 48th percentile
  • At/Beyond Sticks: 62nd percentile
  • Avoids Negatives: 76th percentile
  • Sack Rate: 62nd percentile

Career Grades

  • Peak Grade: 95.1 (2020)
  • Multiple seasons above 90.0
  • 2025 Grade: 68.0

Ready If His Number Is Called

Pittsburgh fans fall victim to Rudolph’s 3-1 record (2023) down the stretch of the season. They continue to flirt with the notion he remains a candidate as ‘The Man’ for the Steelers.

Will Howard also falls into that same category. Since Rudolph’s strong finish (3-1) he has gone 4-11. He remains a more capable backup.

His career grades reflect a player who has experienced highs and lows but has proven capable of winning games when surrounded by a strong supporting cast.

Pittsburgh values his familiarity with the offense and ability to step in without disrupting the locker room.

PFF Stable Metrics

  • Clean Pocket Grade: 2nd percentile
  • Standard Dropback: 5th percentile
  • 1st/2nd Down: 0th percentile
  • No Play Action: 7th percentile
  • At/Beyond Sticks: 0th percentile
  • Avoids Negatives: 16th percentile
  • Sack Rate: 93rd percentile

Career Grades

  • Best Grade: 75.4 (2020)
  • 2021 Grade: 74.2
  • 2025 Grade: 52.8

Developmental Prospect With Upside

Howard enters his second NFL season looking to continue his development behind two experienced veterans. The former Kansas State and Ohio State quarterback possesses NFL size, toughness and mobility while showing the leadership qualities that made him a national champion.

Although he has yet to earn qualifying NFL metrics, Pittsburgh believes his arm talent and command of the offense provide long-term potential.

Training camp will be about mastering the playbook, improving consistency from the pocket and hopefully playing in the preseason.

Quick Facts

  • No qualifying NFL PFF grade
  • National Champion at Ohio State
  • 83 Touchdowns
  • 35 Interceptions
  • Developing behind Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph

Pittsburgh’s Future Investment

The Steelers selected Drew Allar believing they could develop one of the strongest arms in football.

The former Penn State standout arrives with prototypical NFL size, effortless velocity and the physical tools teams covet.

As a rookie, his primary focus will be learning the offense, refining his mechanics and adjusting to NFL speed.

With Rodgers leading the room and Rudolph providing experience, Allar has the luxury of developing without immediate pressure. Pittsburgh hopes patience today will produce its quarterback of the future.

Quick Facts

  • 2026 Rookie
  • No NFL PFF grade
  • Elite arm strength
  • 61 Touchdowns
  • 13 Interceptions

Quarterback Stable Metrics Rankings

Clean Pocket Grade

  • Aaron Rodgers -26th
  • Mason Rudolph – 2nd

Standard Dropback Grade

  • Aaron Rodgers – 24th
  • Mason Rudolph – 5th

1st / 2nd Down Grade

  • Aaron Rodgers – 22nd
  • Mason Rudolph – 0th

No Play Action Grade

  • Aaron Rodgers – 48th
  • Mason Rudolph – 7th

At / Beyond the Sticks Grade

  • Aaron Rodgers – 62nd
  • Mason Rudolph – 0th

Avoids Negatives

  • Aaron Rodgers – 76th
  • Mason Rudolph – 16th

Sack Rate

  • Mason Rudolph – 93rd
  • Aaron Rodgers – 62nd

Overall PFF Grade

  • Aaron Rodgers – 68.8 (28th of 38)
  • Mason Rudolph – 52.8 (Did Not Qualify)

Career PFF Grade

  • Aaron Rodgers – 91.3
  • Mason Rudolph – 62.7

Career Grades

  • Aaron Rodgers – Four-time NFL MVP with one of the greatest career grading profiles in PFF history, including multiple 90+ seasons and a peak of 95.1.
  • Mason Rudolph – Best career grade of 75.4 (2020) with a proven ability to step in as an experienced backup when needed.
  • Will Howard – No qualifying NFL grades.
  • Drew Allar – Rookie; NFL career begins in 2026.

Photo Credit | Frank Hyatt | College2Pro

 

 

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