As the 2026 NFL Draft conversation heats up following the combine, quarterbacks remain at the center of the debate. While names like Garrett Nussmeier and Carson Beck continue to dominate headlines, former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel recently sparked discussion by doubling down on his belief in another prospect: Drew Allar.
Chase Daniel Stands Firm on Drew Allar, Putting Garrett Nussmeier and Carson Beck on Notice
Allar entered the season with massive expectations at Penn State. Many analysts projected him as a potential QB1 candidate and even a top-five NFL Draft pick before the year began. However, the season didn’t go according to plan.
The talented quarterback struggled to find a consistent rhythm early in the year, posting a PFSN CFB QB Impact Score of 78.7, which ranked No. 71 nationally. His season was ultimately cut short after roughly five to six games due to an ankle injury, preventing him from regaining momentum and improving his draft stock.
Despite the down year, Daniel isn’t ready to give up on the big Penn State passer. After quote-tweeting a quarterback ranking list from ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid, Daniel shared his belief that Allar could still be valued by NFL teams later in the draft process.
“I really think teams may like Drew Allar at QB3 late Day 2/ Early Day 3,” he said.
I really think teams may like Drew Allar at QB3 late Day 2/ Early Day 3 https://t.co/1Dsu54XBV0
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) March 8, 2026
That stance may surprise some fans, but it’s not entirely unreasonable when looking at Allar’s broader college résumé.
Before this season, Allar had produced PFSN CFB QB Impact Grades inside the national top 25 in back-to-back years, showing flashes of the high-end potential that made him such a highly touted recruit and prospect. His combination of size, arm talent, and pocket presence continues to intrigue scouts even after an inconsistent final season.
According to PFSN’s Consensus Big Board, Allar currently sits as QB6 in the class. His scouting report describes him as one of the most physically prototypical passers available in the 2026 draft.
“Drew Allar is perhaps the most quintessential ‘prototypical QB’ in the 2026 NFL Draft,” the report notes. “He shows glimpses of real pre-snap command, post-snap processing, and break anticipation.”
However, the evaluation also highlights the areas that have caused some evaluators to cool on him.
Allar’s accuracy can run hot and cold, and his dropback and release mechanics still need refinement. He also lacks elite rushing ability, meaning he can’t always escape trouble when plays break down the way more mobile quarterbacks can.
Still, the raw tools remain difficult to ignore. At 6’5″ and 230 pounds, Allar has the physical profile that NFL teams often believe they can develop with the right coaching and system. If he lands with a franchise willing to be patient, he could emerge as one of the more intriguing developmental quarterbacks in the class.
That’s exactly why Daniel believes he could still hear his name called somewhere in the second through fourth rounds.
And if that happens, players like Nussmeier and Beck, who currently receive far more public hype, may have to keep an eye on the former Penn State passer, who could pass them to claim QB3 come draft night. Because while Allar’s path to the NFL hasn’t been perfect, the talent that once made him a potential top-five pick hasn’t disappeared.
For the right team, he might end up being one of the best value selections in the entire 2026 NFL Draft.
