The Detroit Lions aren’t just planning around their starter, it’s quietly shaping the depth chart around their quarterback, Jared Goff. A high-production college passer with 70-plus touchdowns has entered the conversation.

According to NFL reporter Chad Reuter, the Detroit Lions could pursue drafting QB Drew Allar of the Penn State Nittany Lions as the 128th pick in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Known for his 6'5", 235-pound massive frame, a rocket arm, and the ability to protect the ball, Allar has been setting several school records for completion and interception percentage.

Drew Allar began his collegiate career with Penn State in 2022 as a quarterback. 

As per Sports Reference, Allar has played in 45 games and scored 61 passing and 12 rushing touchdowns during his four-year collegiate career. He also threw for 7,402 yards with just 11 interceptions. For his last season, he earned a PFF grade of 72.4.

According to NFL Network's Lance Zierlein, Allar was given a prospect grade of 5.98, categorized as a special teamer. 

He does not project Allar as a starting quarterback at the professional level. 

“Allar looks the part with prototypical size and an effortless arm that can make any NFL throw,” Zierlein said. “However, inconsistent touch and ball placement are a major hindrance,” he added. “In big moments and big games, he hasn’t proven he can rise to the occasion or sustain efficiency.”

When he compared Allar to Goff, he concluded that Goff was a much higher-end prospect coming out of college, as his prospect grade was 7.0. Henceforth, he was drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Rams in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Head coach Dan Campbell and former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson turned Goff into an MVP candidate over four years in his time with the Detroit Lions. Only time will tell whether Allar begins his NFL journey as Goff's backup or future replacement.

"Average Backup With High-End Traits"- NFL Analyst on Drew Allar

With Teddy Bridgewater back and forth from his retirement, the Lions are looking forward to adding developmental depth for their "production machine” quarterback.

Drew Allar is the fifth QB off the board in Reuter’s estimation in this 2026 NFL Draft. But Lance Zierlein has his own set of doubts.

“It’s worth noting Allar’s receivers struggled to win man-coverage matchups for him…he makes anticipatory throws and beats coverage at an adequate clip,” Zierlein said.

“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,” Zierlin added.

That projection places Allar squarely in the developmental tier, aligning with Detroit's long-terms plans for their quarterback.

The Lions have a reliable receiver room which includes Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and tight end, Sam LaPorta. With their help, Goff has continued his elite production.

Since 2022, QB Jared Goff has not missed a single match. He appeared in 68 matches while throwing for 18,206 yards, and scored 130 touchdowns.

As per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the clock isn’t ticking on Goff yet, but he has to take the Lions into a Super Bowl sooner or later.

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Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Rishab Nandi