The Arizona Cardinals have been in search of a quarterback of the future all offseason.
While this process could drift into next offseason, the Cardinals must get this right.
Leaving no stone unturned, Arizona has brought in former Penn State quarterback Drew Allar for a top 30 visit, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero.
While Allar would not likely be a top 5 quarterback in most draft classes, he is ranked fourth this year, according to ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.
In four years with the Nittany Lions, Allar threw for 7,402 yards and 61 touchdowns. He also rushed for 732 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Allar suffered a season-ending broken ankle in October of his senior year.
What Would Allar Bring to the Arizona Cardinals?
Allar has prototypical size for a quarterback, measuring at 6-foot-5, 228 pounds at the combine.
While he is a top 5 quarterback in most experts’ eyes, he is projected to be a fourth-round pick.
According to NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein, there are a few reasons why he will last until then.
“Allar looks the part with prototypical size and an effortless arm that can make any NFL throw,” Zierlein wrote. “However, inconsistent touch and ball placement are a major hindrance. In big moments and big games, he hasn’t proven he can rise to the occasion or sustain efficiency. The stats looked good in a conservative offense as a sophomore, but his play became more erratic once the playbook was opened up and more responsibility was put on his plate. He can be slow to process and get to his best option.
“He also struggles to adjust his pre-snap plan to fit the coverage. It’s worth noting that Allar’s receivers struggled to win man-coverage matchups for him. Against zone, he makes anticipatory throws and beats coverage at an adequate clip. Mechanical fixes are possible, but confidence, poise, and recognition must be the foundation of any rebound. Allar projects as an average backup with high-end traits.”
So, Why Should a Team Take a Chance on Allar?
While Allar has his flaws, this could be a strategy that the Cardinals take this year.
If they draft a quarterback on Day 3, instead of potentially reaching on Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson on Day 1 or 2, it could work out well for Arizona.
By taking Allar in the later rounds of the draft, they can work on developing him instead of expecting him to start right away.
While developing him, they can also have the flexibility of drafting a quarterback early in 2027, where there are many more quality options.
In addition, Arizona can focus on building up the trenches on offense and defense, worrying about a quarterback later.
If they decide to wait until 2027, Texas’s Arch Manning, Ohio State’s Julian Sayin and Oregon’s Dante Moore will likely be available.
While the draft next year still hasn’t fully taken shape yet, there are plenty of other options for Arizona.
Whatever the Cardinals decide, general manager Monti Ossenfort has to get this right, or the rebuild could last even longer.
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