NFL Scouts and GM’s praise two surprising quarterback prospects

TL;DR

NFL scouts are showing interest in lesser-known quarterbacks, particularly Penn State's Drew Allar, who was highly regarded before an injury derailed his season. His potential is drawing attention as teams evaluate their options ahead of the draft.

While the talk has been all about presumptive first-round quarterbacks Ty Simpson and Fernando Mendoza, scouts are also salivating over some unknown quarterbacks or those flying under the radar.

One is Penn State quarterback Drew Allar. Allar was considered one of the top quarterbacks coming into last year, before he was injured.

When he was injured, the Nittnay Lions fell apart without him.

Before he was injured, Allar had a huge upside to him, and NFL scouts took notice.

Here is what a scout told Fox Sports NFL reporters Ralph Vacchiano and Eric Williams about Allar.

"Most people think he’s a Day 3 guy, but I think he should go on Day 2," one scout told them. "He looked like a potential first-rounder as a junior, before that [ankle] injury ruined his senior year. He can play. He’s got a big arm. He just needs more experience because he’s so inconsistent.

"But when the tools are there in a guy that big (6-5, 228), how can you not like that?"

Allar could be the steal of the draft if the right team picks him.

Another quarterback prospect that scouts like is North Dakota State’s Cole Payton. NDSU has produced the likes of Trey Lance and Carson Wentz.

While Wentz won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles, Lance has been a journeyman quarterback, so the history of NDSU quarterbacks might make some teams hesitant.

Still, some scouts love Payton and feel he’s flying under the radar.

"I think he has an upside to him," a longtime NFL scout told them about Payton. "He can drive the ball down the field. [He’s got] poise and calmness in the pocket and in his play. He’s good rolling out left with accuracy. He can extend plays, a good scrambler. He’s a strong, up-field runner with contact power. And he’s nifty and shifty as a runner."

An assistant general manager agreed, saying if Payton played at a Division I school, he’d be getting more attention.

Any time a team drafts a quarterback, they are taking a chance because, as we’ve learned over the years, there are no sure things or guarantees when it comes to the marquee position.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: NFL Scouts and GM’s praise two surprising quarterback prospects

Q&A

What makes Drew Allar a surprising quarterback prospect for the NFL?

Drew Allar is considered a surprising prospect due to his strong performance prior to an injury that affected his team's success, showcasing significant potential that NFL scouts are now recognizing.

Which other quarterbacks are being discussed alongside Ty Simpson and Fernando Mendoza?

In addition to Ty Simpson and Fernando Mendoza, scouts are paying attention to lesser-known quarterbacks, including Drew Allar from Penn State.

How did Drew Allar's injury impact Penn State's performance?

Drew Allar's injury led to a significant decline in Penn State's performance, as the team struggled without him, highlighting his importance as a key player.