Drew Allar — 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

We've seen examples where quarterbacks — Joe Burrow, Jayden Daniels, and Cam Ward, to name a few — have ascended from a mid-round projection before their final season to eventually go first (or second) overall. Following a down year, there are a number of quarterbacks who should hear their name called early in the draft. In addition, Allar would have likely been a top-10 pick had he declared in this past draft cycle as some teams were encouraging him to do, according to reports.

Perhaps a perfect fit to play in Cleveland and the rough-and-tumble AFC North, Allar has prototypical size and the arm strength to make all the throws anywhere on the field. Continued development by the former five-star recruit from Medina (OH) could catapult him to the top of the draft board and under center for his hometown team.

Allar is an unrefined product, but he has a lot of the traits that will appeal to NFL teams. The Ohio native grew up wanting to play for Cleveland. The Browns are clearly stockpiling picks to either take their quarterback of choice or move around to get that player. The third-round selection of Dillon Gabriel and fifth-round selection of Shedeur Sanders is not going to change that fact.

Yes, the Saints drafted Tyler Shough in the second round this year, but that won't stop them from drafting another QB if they're in the top 10. Remember, Derek Carr isn't a lock to remain with New Orleans beyond 2025.

Allar took a big step as a junior in 2024, throwing for 3,327 passing yards and 24 touchdowns with 8 interceptions. He has prototypical size (6-5, 238 pounds) and every raw tool a coach could want. He's known for his strong arm but still needs to work on his ball placement and progressions; his completion rate increase from 60% in 2023 to 66.5% in 2024 bodes well. Allar should be in the first-round conversation if he continues his upward trajectory.

Allar (6-5, 235 pounds) thrived in OC Andy Kotelnicki's offense, with his 65.8 pressure passing grade ranking fourth among returning quarterbacks. This selection allows Indianapolis to move on from the failed Anthony Richardson experiment.

After signing Justin Fields, it's clear the Jets could be in the market for a new signal-caller to build the franchise around in 2026. Allar very well could have been a top-10 pick had he entered the '25 draft, but returning to school should pay off long term as he rounds off a few of the edges when it comes to his decision making and starts to live up to the kind of ceiling that many believe he has.

Had Allar declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, he might have been the No. 2 pick (to his hometown Cleveland Browns). But he returned to school to further his development. If he continues to improve, he will be in the top-five conversation next April.

In passing up Travis Hunter to acquire an additional first-round pick for 2026, the Browns sent a clear signal that they're pinning their hopes for a full relaunch one year from now. A central part of that effort will be getting a clean break from the Deshaun Watson debacle by positioning themselves for a marquee quarterback. Allar isn't the clearcut front-runner to go No. 1, but the Medina, Ohio, native possesses several qualities that could make him a hometown hero in this scenario. The 6-5, 238-pounder exhibits truly elite arm strength that he can unleash in a moment's notice, both from the pocket and on the run. While he still has to grow more consistent with his footwork and anticipation, he could claim the top spot on draft boards if he makes another significant leap comparable to the one he took last season.