Nov 18, 2023; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) carries the ball as Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive lineman Isaiah Iton (9) pursues during the second half at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Drew Allar QB Penn State | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Drew Allar QB Penn State
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| PLAY STYLE: Mobile Pocket Passer | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 02/10/2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.90 seconds (34%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 20.11 DOB: 03/08/2004 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| PLAY STYLE: Mobile Pocket Passer | |
| Last Updated: 02/10/2025 | |
| Draft Year: 2026 | |
| 40 time: 4.90 seconds (34%*) | |
| Age: 20.11 DOB: 03/08/2004 | |
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SHARE THIS PROFILE:
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| Overall Rating: | 89.0 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
| Defense Rating: |
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78% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| Release Speed: |
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82% |
| Short Passing: |
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79% |
| Medium Passing: |
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87% |
| Long Passing: |
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94% |
| Rush/Scramble: |
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80% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
1st - Mid
Overall Rank:
#16
Position rank:
#3
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| College Games: 38 College Snaps: 1903 | ||
ESPN RATING: 86/100
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247 RATING: 100/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.9 (97%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Joe Milton III - Tennessee |
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63% |
| Will Levis - Kentucky |
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61% |
| Kyle Trask - Florida |
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57% |
Draft Profile: Bio
The prototype-built signal caller from Medina, Ohio arrived at Penn State as one of the nation's most coveted recruits, and his development has validated the hype. After setting Medina County records with over 9,000 passing yards and 98 touchdowns in high school, Allar stepped into a backup role as a true freshman before seizing the starting job in 2023. His meteoric rise continued through 2024, where he showcased dramatic improvement in accuracy and decision-making while leading Penn State to its first Big Ten Championship game appearance since 2008.Allar's journey from raw talent to polished field general mirrors his physical tools - methodically refined but still loaded with untapped potential. His 2024 campaign saw him complete 66.5% of his passes for 3,327 yards and 24 touchdowns against 8 interceptions, displaying the kind of progress that has NFL scouts salivating. The former five-star recruit made his biggest statement in a 391-yard passing performance against USC, threading throws into tight windows and showcasing the kind of anticipation that was missing from his early career tape.
What stands out most about Allar's development is his historic ball security, setting an FBS record with 311 attempts without an interception to start his career. He's maintained that disciplined approach while still pushing the ball downfield, consistently showing the ability to attack all levels of the field. His decision to return for his senior season speaks to his commitment to mastering the nuances of the position before making the leap to the next level.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Prototypical NFL frame with sturdy build to shake off defenders - plays with the kind of physical presence that makes him nearly impossible to bring down with arm tackles
- Elite arm talent allows him to drive the ball to all levels of the field regardless of platform - can generate tremendous velocity with minimal windup
- Shows impressive poise under pressure, keeping eyes downfield while navigating muddy pockets with subtle movements
- Exceptional ball security and decision-making reflected in record-setting interception avoidance while still attacking downfield
- Demonstrates advanced understanding of timing and touch in the red zone - consistently finds tight windows near the goal line
- Natural feel for extending plays while keeping passing options alive - shows Josh Allen-like ability to create outside structure
- Displays advanced pre-snap recognition and ability to work through progressions when protection holds up
- Competitive toughness stands out - willingly stands in against pressure to deliver strikes knowing he'll take hits
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Mechanics can break down under duress leading to sporadic accuracy - particularly visible on intermediate throws where precision is critical
- Still developing consistency with timing throws - occasionally late triggering to open receivers allowing coverage to recover
- Base can get too narrow through progression reads affecting balance and ball placement on secondary options
- Shows occasional tendency to predetermine throws rather than letting plays develop naturally against zone coverage
- Can improve discipline in scramble situations - sometimes creates unnecessary pressure trying to extend dead plays
Scouting Report: Summary
Looking ahead to his NFL projection, Allar profiles as a blue-chip prospect who could thrive in a vertical passing system that maximizes his arm talent while allowing him to create outside structure. His combination of size, arm strength, and developing feel for the pocket draws favorable comparisons to Josh Allen coming out of Wyoming - a traits-based prospect whose physical tools translated immediately while the finer points caught up.The NFL's intense interest in Allar was evident even before his return announcement, with several general managers heavily scouting him throughout the 2024 season. Multiple teams picking in the top-10 of the 2025 draft, including the Titans, Browns, Giants, Raiders, Jets, and Saints, had him firmly on their radar as a potential franchise quarterback. Having already drawn consideration as the QB3 behind Sanders and Ward for 2025, Allar's decision to return to Penn State positions him as the early favorite to be QB1 in 2026. His trajectory suggests a player who could step in as a day-one starter while developing into a franchise cornerstone.
In a league where quarterback talent drives success, Allar projects as the kind of prospect teams will position themselves to select at the top of the 2026 draft. With another year to refine his mechanics and processing speed in a familiar system, he has the potential to enter the draft as one of the most complete quarterback prospects in recent years. His blend of physical tools, rapidly improving mental acumen, and proven ability to make significant year-over-year improvements gives him franchise-altering potential at the next level.
Written By:
K.C. Martinez (Big Ten)
How other scouting services rate Drew Allar (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
16.0
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
8.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.