2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Drew Allar (QB – Penn State)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Penn State quarterback Drew Allar.

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Drew Allar

Drew Allar (QB – Penn State)

6’5″ – 235 lbs.

Background

Four-star recruit out of Ohio who served in a backup role in 2022 before taking over the starting job in 2023, replacing Sean Clifford. Led the team to a 10-3 record, finishing with 2,631 yards (59.9%, 6.8 YPA), 25 touchdowns, and two interceptions. Went 13-3 the following year, with 3,327 yards (66.5%, 8.4), 24 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, then ended up sustaining a season-ending ankle injury six games into 2025, finishing with a 3-3 record as the starter and a final line of 1,100 yards (64.8%, 6.9), eight touchdowns, and three interceptions.

Positives

Very well-built quarterback with plenty of starting experience under his belt. Gets the ball out on time on rhythm-based throws and/or when his first read is open. Does a good job of protecting the football; temperamentally, prefers to take what the defense gives him than to swing for the fences. Has a smooth stroke with a solid, three-quarters delivery, and can modify his arm angle as needed. Overall arm talent is impressive, and balls jump out of his hand; throws a tight spiral with plenty of zip to fit throws into tight windows over the middle of the field or to drive passes to the sidelines. When he transfers weight effectively, can really rip passes down the field. Can muscle throws when playing from a congested pocket or when on the move. Shows the ability to drop in bucket throws way downfield. Overall ball placement is generally good. Shows some touch on throws around the line of scrimmage, like swing passes and flats. Typically makes the first man miss when facing pressure. Flashes the ability to buy time with his pocket movement skills, get his eyes downfield, and extend the play to create opportunities for big throws. Hard, competitive runner who can function as a bit of a bulldozer in short-yardage situations, and has some build-up speed; the team did incorporate some read-options into their playbook.

Negatives

Had been struggling through a somewhat disappointing 2025 campaign prior to getting hurt, and his season-ending ankle injury will require further investigation. Has some bird-dogging tendencies. Mechanics are still a work in progress, primarily from the waist down. Can be reliant on his natural arm strength and doesn’t always transfer his weight effectively, often fading away even when working from a clean pocket. Doesn’t show the best feel for pressure when playing from the pocket; tends to drop his eyes prematurely when his first read isn’t open, rather than staying calm and working through progressions, which causes him to leave some opportunities on the table. Placement is a bit behind his target on some of his slants/throws over the middle. More of a rumbler than a dynamic threat to break off big runs with his feet.

Summary

A big, traditional pocket passer with very good arm talent and solid accuracy, he can make every throw, operating effectively when his first read is there, but also seems to struggle with composure when working through progressions or pressure. With more commitment to going through his reads, could develop into an effective starting quarterback, but as it currently stands, his tendency to flee the pocket prematurely can lead to missed opportunities, even if he’s limiting turnovers. Had first-round hype earlier in his career and could still go on the second day if teams feel confident in his ability to continue developing.

Projection: Round 3-4