Drew Allar: Should He Declare for the NFL Draft?

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As we enter the heart of college football season, one name is rising to the forefront of discussions: Drew Allar, the standout quarterback for the Penn State Nittany Lions. With the college football playoffs in full swing and a crucial game against Notre Dame on the horizon, the question looms—should Allar declare for the 2025 NFL Draft? Let’s delve into his potential, the current quarterback landscape, and the implications of such a decision.

Drew Allar stepped onto Penn State's campus as a five-star recruit, the top quarterback in the 2022 high school class. At just 20 years old, he has already amassed significant experience, leading his team to two playoff victories and earning a spot in the prestigious Orange Bowl. With the 2025 NFL Draft declaration deadline approaching swiftly on January 24, now is the time to evaluate if he should take the plunge into professional football.

Overview of Drew Allar's Skills

Standing at an impressive 6-foot-5 and weighing 243 pounds, Allar possesses the ideal physical traits that NFL scouts crave. His age pairs well with his talent, making him one of the youngest prospects should he declare in 2025. But let’s delve deeper into what makes him an appealing candidate.

Strengths

Physical Presence: Allar’s size not only helps him survey the field effectively but also offers him durability against the rigors of the game.
Arm Talent: His powerful arm is arguably the most impressive among the current quarterbacks eligible for the draft, capable of making all the throws required at the next level.
Footwork Proficiency: Allar displays remarkable footwork for someone of his youth, allowing him to move through progressions methodically.
Improvisational Growth: While he prefers to play from the pocket, his ability to adapt and create plays outside of the structure is improving.

Weaknesses

Pressure Management: Allar struggles at times to handle pressure effectively, often rushing his throws under duress.
Inconsistency: Being a relatively inexperienced player, he demonstrates moments of inaccuracy, especially when faced with blitzes.
Mobility Limitations: His average foot speed can hinder his ability to escape pressure and extend plays.

Evaluating the Decision

The decision to declare for the NFL Draft is critical and fraught with risks and opportunities. If Allar chooses to enter the draft this year, he will find himself in a relatively weaker quarterback class compared to 2026. The top contenders in 2025, like Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward, face questions regarding their physical attributes, making Allar potentially the most physically gifted quarterback available.

On the flip side, staying another year at Penn State could allow him to refine his skills and improve his statistics, potentially positioning him as a top pick in the next draft. However, this strategy carries its own risks, as player performance can fluctuate, and the emergence of other talented quarterbacks could complicate his standing in the draft hierarchy.

Conclusion

Given the chance of declaring for the NFL Draft and the advantages that come with it, Drew Allar may find this season to be his golden opportunity. While he has much to gain from remaining in college, the potential rewards of entering the draft now, including being a high pick, might outweigh the risks. As a young player with a strong physical profile and significant upside, Allar has a lot to consider in the coming weeks.

Regardless of his ultimate decision, Allar’s future remains bright, and how he navigates this critical juncture will have lasting implications on his career. Will he embrace the challenge of the NFL, or will he continue to carve out his legacy at Penn State? The clock is ticking, and fans are eager to see what he will choose.