The quarterback class in the 2026 NFL Draft leaves much to be desired.
Beyond Fernando Mendoza, the presumptive No. 1 overall pick of the Las Vegas Raiders, even the most coveted prospects have major questions and there are few players who have the look and feel of future franchise quarterbacks.
However, as developmental players at the most important position in sports, there could be some value to be had in the middle rounds of the upcoming NFL Draft, later this month.
NFL Draft 2026: Where Drew Allar might land
Penn State Nittany Lions Drew Allar
Oct 11, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) looks to throw a pass during the third quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
Over at ESPN, NFL analyst Ben Solak put together a list of projections for the best fits of every quarterback in this year’s class, with the Miami Dolphins adding significant value by adding Allar, and his potential long-term upside, in the fourth round to pair him with recent free agent arrival Malik Willis.
“Allar can make anticipation throws into tight windows against the sideline or to the middle of the field,” Solak writes for ESPN. “And that’s tough to teach. Winning with arm talent on rhythm throws from the pocket is how C.J. Stroud excelled for Bobby Slowik with the Texans in 2023 and 2024, and that’s how Allar will find success in the NFL. The Dolphins are invested in Malik Willis for 2026 and even into 2027, given his contract guarantees, but using an early-Day 3 pick on Allar would allow him to beat out Quinn Ewers for the QB2 job and challenge for QB1 reps in 2027 if Willis struggles.
“The Dolphins have so many draft needs that they might pass on quarterback entirely. But they also have so many picks (three third-rounders) that taking the leap on a falling Allar wouldn’t impact their rebuild and could even accelerate it if he hits.”
NFL Draft
Sep 21, 2024; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) looks to throw a pass during the second quarter against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
Allar may have flaws as a prospect, but he has the traits; size, arm-strength, and timing, that under the right coaching staff and in the right situation could thrive.
Perhaps the Dolphins are that situation in this year’s NFL Draft, where there’s no pressure to start immediately, or anytime soon, while getting to learn from offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, who was instrumental in C.J. Stroud’s devlopment, as Solak points out.