Matt Miller released his latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft on ESPN, and with the college football season approaching, teams are already eyeing their future needs. In a quarterback-heavy draft class, the Los Angeles Rams know Matthew Stafford’s time is winding down, and Miller is projecting one of their two first-round picks will go to a signal-caller.
Drew Allar Could Fall to No. 27 in 2026 NFL Draft per Insider
Other mock drafts have Drew Allar projected much higher, but Miller’s latest mock sees Penn State’s quarterback potentially falling toward the end of the first round. This wouldn’t be the Rams’ only first-round selection, as Miller has them taking Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor with the No. 9 pick.
In this scenario, Allar would be the fourth quarterback selected. The Nittany Lions head into the 2025 season with their 1,000-yard rushing duo alongside Allar. Their offense looks as loaded as ever, but Cade Klubnik, Garrett Nussmeier, and LaNorris Sellers are all projected ahead of Allar in Miller’s mock.
Miller has Sellers going to the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 16, a team that will undoubtedly need a new quarterback since Aaron Rodgers is under a one-year contract and likely playing his final NFL season.
The Indianapolis Colts have been rumored to be looking for a new quarterback as well, which is why Miller projects them to take Nussmeier at No. 11. Unsurprisingly, Klubnik remains the top option, which is the widespread consensus among analysts.
Drew Allar should be a 1st round talent in the 2026 NFL Draft 🦁
🔹 Ridiculous arm strength and velocity generation
🔹 Prototype pocket QB size with plus mechanics
🔹 Intelligent presnap operator with solid pocket presence
🔹 Plus athlete
🔹 Room to improve accuracy and footwork pic.twitter.com/O33YwrizVo— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) June 20, 2025
What Drew Allar Needs to Prove in 2025
For Allar, the 2025 season is about proving his worth as a top-tier prospect. There’s no doubt he possesses first-round talent, but the Ohio native has some areas that need improvement. His 25 touchdowns to two interceptions in 2023 was phenomenal, a ratio that shifted to 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions last season.
A three-to-one touchdown-to-interception ratio is still impressive, but it’s concerning that he threw six more picks with just five additional passing attempts.
One encouraging sign was Allar’s completion percentage jumping from 59.5% to 66.5%. If he can maintain accuracy in the high 60s, he’ll have a legitimate shot to potentially leap past Nussmeier or Sellers in draft projections. The Rams would be getting a quarterback with elite arm strength and the physical tools to succeed at the next level.
At 6’5″ and 235 pounds, Allar has the prototypical size NFL teams covet in a franchise quarterback. His ability to make throws from the pocket while maintaining composure under pressure has impressed scouts. However, consistency in his decision-making and footwork will determine whether he rises or falls in the final rankings.
It’s far too early for these teams to know which quarterback they’ll ultimately draft, but Allar finds himself in the top four as a lot rides on his 2025 campaign. The competition among this quarterback class should push each signal-caller to elevate their game.
Penn State’s road to the National Championship continues after they fell just one game short last season. Notre Dame defeated the Nittany Lions 27-24, partly due to a late interception thrown by Allar.
He’ll have the Ohio State and Oregon matchups circled on his calendar as he looks to avenge those losses from 2024. Those high-profile games will provide the perfect stage for Allar to showcase his improvements and solidify his draft stock.