Who does Drew Allar remind top NFL Draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah of? One former Penn State player, and one Super Bowl champ
As NFL teams inch closer to the start of preseason camp, members of the media who evaluate and offer analysis on the next wave of pro talent are turning their attention to the 2026 draft class. And, it should go without saying that, when it’s time to start breaking down the film, no one’s game is being dissected quite like Penn State senior quarterback Drew Allar’s.
Lead NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah is the latest expert to put together an in-depth scouting report based on what the Ohio native has put on tape over the last couple of seasons as the Lions’ starter ahead of what will be his final season in State College. In his player comparison section, Jeremiah writes that Allar reminds him some of someone who used to be his shoes and also of a Super Bowl champion.
“My first thought was Kerry
Collins, who also spent his college career at Penn State before spending 17 seasons in the NFL. They are big, strong-armed passers with similar athleticism,” Jeremiah writes. “However, the more I thought about it, the more Allar reminded me of Joe Flacco . Allar and
“Flacco both make drive throws look so effortless, and when given some space, they can collect yards on the ground. Neither guy is ultra sudden or dynamic, but they find ways to occasionally extend plays and deliver accurate throws on the move. They both prefer to read top to bottom, and they’re always on the lookout for shots to present themselves. Another thing they have in common is the streaky nature of their play. Both guys can string together some impressive throws, but they can also make a few head-scratchers.”
More: James Franklin previews 2025 Penn State offense: Allar’s growth, WR hopes, and a ‘different’ run game
The Flacco comparison is starting to gain traction. Former ESPN NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay had the same thought in his own breakdown of the Penn State passer’s game earlier this offseason.
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Whether or not Allar turns into the first PSU quarterback to go in the first round since Collins went fifth overall in 1995 is unclear. All scouts seem to agree that the areas for improvement to make that a possibility are clear. The first is better consistency and accuracy. The second is better decision-making. And the third, and perhaps most important one, is more help from his receivers.
“Penn State was excellent at running back, tight end and on the offensive line last season. However, after studying Allar, I was shocked by how underwhelmingly the receiver corps played,” Jeremiah writes. “They couldn’t separate, drifted on routes and didn’t fight for the ball. Allar has received plenty of criticism for some crucial turnovers, but after digging in and watching the tape, I don’t think he had much help on the outside.
“For a top-tier program, there simply weren’t a lot of big-window throws. Allar needs to continue to improve his footwork and decision-making, but he also needs some playmakers on the outside. I know the Nittany Lions were active in the transfer portal this offseason, and hopefully there will be more support for him at the position in 2025.”
