With the 2026 NFL Draft just around the corner, the New York Jets and general manager Darren Mougey have a unique opportunity to add multiple key playmakers to the roster this offseason.

After Mougey’s massive fire sale during the 2025 NFL Trade Deadline, the struggling franchise now possesses 11 picks in the upcoming draft, with four landing within the top-50. However, despite having plenty of ammo, New York missed their chance at landing Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who is widely considered to be the top player at his position.

Clearly, the quarterback position is a huge issue for the Jets heading into next season, but depending on where Alabama’s Ty Simpson falls in the draft, Mougey will likely have to use a Day Three pick on a rookie quarterback.

Luckily for New York, Penn State’s Drew Allar remains an intriguing late-round option for the organization.

Allar, a former five-star quarterback coming out of high school, has had one of the most fascinating college careers with the Nittany Lions. After spending one season as the program’s backup quarterback, the Medina, OH native finally claimed the starting role during the 2023 season.

Throughout his first two years as the starting quarterback, Allar showed promise, throwing for nearly 6,000 yards and 49 touchdowns to 10 interceptions in 29 games. Unfortunately for the rising star, he was unable to live up to the first-round hype set upon him before the 2025 season after suffering a season-ending injury against the Northwestern Wildcats.

Still, there are plenty of reasons why the Jets should consider taking a flyer on Allar. At 6-foot-5, 228 lbs., the former Penn State standout has a rare blend of size, speed, and arm strength that could potentially be unlocked with proper coaching in the NFL.

While his game lacked consistency throughout his time in State College, Allar’s flashes of arm strength, along with his underrated rushing ability, warrant the Jets to take a flyer on him in the upcoming draft.

Depending on which veteran quarterback Mougey adds to the roster this offseason, Allar could learn and develop under him for the 2026 season, while also being a prime candidate to take over the starting quarterback role in 2027 and beyond.

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