Penn State quarterback Drew Allar remains one of the most polarizing prospects for NFL evaluators.
At 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds with a powerful arm and solid athletic ability he checks plenty of NFL boxes.The coaches in Happy Valley have long praised his intelligence, especially for being able to adjust protections and getting the offense out of trouble before the snap. Even in Penn State’s double-overtime loss to Oregon last weekend, Allar flashed his upside, delivering a perfect deep touchdown strike.
But those moments remain offset by inconsistency. NFL evaluators see a quarterback still searching for rhythm and decisiveness. “Does he get stuck over-analyzing?” one opposing coach asked during an interview with The Athletic. Other scouts note his tendency to be "robotic and deliberate" in his reads.
Throughout his college career, Allar has compiled a strong 55 to 12 touchdown-to-interception ratio. But his 6.4 yards per attempt this season has raised concerns about efficiency.
Some NFL voices believe the issue is less about ability and more about confidence. “I don’t know if he’s so afraid to make mistakes,” one scout said, “but you just want to see him cut it loose more.” A scouting director was more blunt about Allar.
“He’s got tools, but as a player, I’m not fired up about him. The pictures have to be clear for him, or it slows down.”
Big Ten opponents also recognize the duality. One assistant coach said he initially doubted Allar, but after facing him, came away convinced of his arm talent. “He’s huge, and he has an absolute hose,” the coach told The Athletic. “But offense looks hard with him. He’ll miss something easy, then hit a throw that makes you say, wow.”
ESPN’s Matt Miller summed up the consensus after polling six NFL scouts. Allar is currently viewed as a Day 2 draft option, most likely in the third round. He’ll remain in early-round conversations, but evaluators agree he must string together consistent tape to elevate into first-round territory.
Right now, the gap between Allar's flashes and his floor is simply too wide, keeping scouts intrigued but unconvinced he'll be a top-round pick.
MORE COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS:
- Deion Sanders buyout, contract details as Colorado Buffaloes coach
- Lane Kiffin trash talks daughter's LSU linebacker boyfriend
- SEC school speculated to pursue Deion Sanders as next head coach
- Drew Allar is all over social media after game-ending interception vs. Oregon
- Will FOX cancel Dave Portnoy after lightning delay rant?