Bills Predicted to Draft Developmental QB Behind Josh Allen

Analyst suggests Bills could select Penn State's Drew Allar in later rounds to learn behind star QB

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:42am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football quarterback in motion, with the player's body and the ball broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, red, and white.The Bills' quarterback depth chart remains a strategic focus as the team aims to build around star QB Josh Allen.Buffalo Today

The Buffalo Bills' quarterback situation is a topic of much discussion, with Josh Allen firmly established as the starter. One analyst has suggested the Bills could draft a developmental quarterback, such as Penn State's Drew Allar, in the later rounds to learn behind Allen. This move would provide the Bills with a potential future backup option, though the team's primary focus this offseason appears to be strengthening the offensive weapons around Allen.

Why it matters

The Bills' quarterback decision is an intriguing one, as it highlights the delicate balance teams must strike between developing talent and managing team dynamics. Drafting a quarterback to learn behind Allen could pay dividends, but it also raises questions about the team's overall strategy and priorities.

The details

Analyst Brandon Ray has predicted the Bills will select Drew Allar, a quarterback from Penn State, in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Allar has similar physical attributes to Allen, including size and experience in cold weather conditions, making him an interesting prospect. However, his consistency and a recent ankle injury could impact his draft stock, potentially providing the Bills with a valuable asset in the later rounds.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.

The players

Josh Allen

The Bills' starting quarterback and one of the best young QBs in the NFL.

Drew Allar

A quarterback prospect from Penn State who could be a developmental option for the Bills in the later rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Brandon Ray

An analyst who has predicted the Bills will draft Allar as a potential backup to Allen.

Jake Fromm

A former Bills quarterback who was kept separate from the team due to COVID-19 protocols, highlighting the challenges of developing talent and managing team dynamics.

DJ Moore

A wide receiver recently traded to the Bills, addressing a weakness in their receiving corps and providing more offensive support for Allen.

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What they’re saying

“The Bills' quarterback situation is a topic that has many fans and analysts intrigued. With Josh Allen firmly established as the starter, the focus now shifts to the future and potential backup options.”

— Brandon Ray, Analyst

What’s next

The Bills will have the opportunity to address their quarterback depth chart during the 2026 NFL Draft, which is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.

The takeaway

The Bills' decision to potentially draft a developmental quarterback behind Josh Allen highlights the team's long-term planning and the importance of building depth at the most crucial position on the field. While the team's primary focus this offseason appears to be strengthening the offensive weapons around Allen, the quarterback situation remains an intriguing aspect of the team's strategy.