Drew Allar: Summer scouting report for the Penn State quarterback

USA Today

15-07-2025

He Looks the Part, but Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze with Allar?
Allar has the prototypical look of an NFL starter, but his tools aren't nearly as impressive. Listed at 6'5', 240 pounds, he has the size and matching strength to stand tall in the pocket, and is a surprisingly smooth mover in traffic. He's not quick enough to consistently extend plays, but his strength and awareness make him difficult to bring down.
As a passer, Allar is just average. His mechanics aren't the best, and his arm strength is sufficiently average for a bigger guy. With Penn State's focus on Tyler Warren, he rarely had to drive the ball downfield, but he couldn't reach back for an extra gear on deeper throws.
His overall accuracy is slightly above average, but wanes as throws get deeper downfield. His ball placement at all levels will need work in 2025, and his deep ball consistency was disappointing last season. He had flashes of dropping the ball in the bucket (CFP Quarterfinal), but often, defenders had time to adjust as his tended to float deeper throws.
While many of his most impressive moments were on intermediate throws, Allar was still more of a 'see it, throw it' guy last season. He's smart enough to go through his progressions, but he's not a next-level processor who consistently gets to the backside of plays.
Allar is an average decision-maker. He protects the ball well enough but will pass on aggressive downfield opportunities. This improved as the 2024 season progressed, but Allar will need to take another step to push for the QB1 spot.
He has just enough athleticism and creativity to keep plays alive outside the pocket, but his arm strength and accuracy dip. It's hard to trust him throwing on the move.
Allar may be built like Josh Allen, but he is in no way the same running threat. He's tough with the ball in his hands, but his legs won't strike fear into NFL opponents.
Overall, Allar has the measurables to warrant Day 1 consideration, and if his numbers take another step forward in 2025, he could push into the top 10. However, multiple tools must improve before he's worth taking in the first round.
Check out my full Drew Allar preseason report and grade onmy Substack.