Last night, the NFL draft was filled with many different surprises. Right off the bat, whether it be the Cardinals drafting Jeremiyah Love at 3 or Arvell Reese falling to the Giants, or even the many trades that took place, the NFL draft was filled with twists and turn. However, no pick was a as shocking as the Rams selecting Ty Simpson as the 13th pick. Not just because of Simpson's inexperience, but because of how the pick was planned and how the QB class looks. If a player such as Simpson can go as high as 13, then that gives hope to Penn State's Drew Allar in Round 2.
Drew Allar has actually generated a lot of buzz during preseason workouts and has risen up draft boards. After suffering a season-ending injury last season, many though Allar may not even be drafted. However, what with an impressive combine and teams willing to give him a top 30 visit, Allar has proven he has the NFL-ready traits that several teams are looking for. Now that both QBs1 and 2 are off the board, there is a chance that Allar could go even higher than people's current projections. Here are the three teams that could most likely make a move for him.
The Arizona Cardinals could end up being the perfect fit for Allar considering the pieces they have acquired on offense in recent years. Plus, he would not be forced into the starting role right away, as both Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew are seen as bridge options. Allar could end up sitting one season and then be put into an offense perfectly tailored for him. In Marvin Harrison Jr., Allar will have a reliable deep threat. In Trey McBride, Allar will have a tight end in the mold of Tyler Warren. And in Jeremiyah Love, Allar will have someone in the backfield who is a big play waiting to happen. Potentially the best part of this pick could be that Arizona did not have to trade into the first round for their QB of the future should Allar go to them as early as No. 34.
The Jets are an interesting case as they truly believe that Geno Smith can have somewhat of a career renaissance in his second stint with the team. Still, there are questions that remain to be seen about this offense as while they drafted Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq at 16, they still have not found a true wide receiver to pair with Garrett Wilson. Most importantly, Breece Hall's contract situation has still not been figured out, potentially leaving them with a void at the RB position. Still, if anyone can handle the pressures of New York, it could be Allar, who faced similar scrutiny during his time in Happy Valley. After Geno, the Jets don't really have a plan for the long term future. While they could wait for 2027, when the QB choices will be more plentiful, they could take a chance on Allar.
This one feels like a match made in heaven. Not only would Allar stay in the state, but he could be potentially learning from one of the greatest QBs of the modern era in Aaron Rodgers. If Rodgers stays, Allar would not be thrust in the spotlight and will be able to learn the ropes from an experienced hand. Plus, once he is in the systen, he will have a wide receiver duo that could sneakily become one of the NFL's best over the next few years in DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. Interestingly enough, what with Allar being an Ohio native and backup QB Will Howard having played for Ohio State, this may not be the perfect vibe for the Steelers. But knowing what Allar is capable of, I'm sure Steelers fans will come around to him in the long run.
At this point, anything is possible for Allar. For someone who had a lot of doubts surrounding him this past year, he could be well equipped to enter the NFL on a team that is best suited for him.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Best team fits for Drew Allar ahead of Round 2