7 NFL Players Who Could Benefit from Being Rebooted Like Drew Allar

In storytelling, a retcon is a narrative device where a previously established piece of information or continuity is changed to overcome previous errors or problems. What if the same can be achieved with NFL players?

The Pittsburgh Steelers are now trying to retroactively improve upon Drew Allar's mechanics, specifically his footwork, in hopes of the third-round draft pick developing into an eventual franchise quarterback.

"I was really focusing on footwork in general and not really caring about the result, more about caring about the process," Allar said, per ESPN's Brooke Pryor. "And then when I get to like a 7-on-7 or team setting, obviously I want to go out and complete every ball. But in those settings, Coach McCarthy told me to not really worry about the results, worry about building that foundation for myself."

Seven high-round draft picks from the last three draft classes would benefit from the same back-to-basic approach, where their respective coaching staffs break them down and build them back up, to the point where their careers can be rewritten.

QB Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts

AP Photo/Zach Bolinger

The Indianapolis Colts rushed Anthony Richardson into the lineup, while the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft didn't put in the work expected of a team's QB1.

Both sides could have done a much better job to help in the young man's development. Instead, the Colts haven't been able to trade Richardson this offseason after turning to Daniel Jones as their starter and the 23-year-old is essentially QB3 on the team's depth chart.

Everyone understood that Richardson was an elite athlete, who needed significant development as a passer, upon his drafting. The Colts even had veteran Gardner Minshew II in place to serve as a bridge. That setup didn't last long, with Richardson opening his rookie season as Indianapolis' starter.

To be fair, the 6'4", 244-pound dual-threat provided some big-time, on-field flashes. Richardson's primary issue came down to inconsistency as a passer, particularly with easy throws that were inexplicably ignored or outright missed.

Injuries then played a significant role with a concussion, strained oblique and shoulder issues. A lack of maturity also came to light when he pulled himself out of a game in Week 8 of his second season because, essentially, he was tired. That move likely cost him the locker room.

Richardson requires a reset in a new setting, with a coaching staff who's patient enough to continue in his development as a passer from the ground up, much like Allar. Considering how young Richardson is, while still possessing immense physical gifts, a possibility exists that he can become an NFL start, albeit with a different team.

QB JJ McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings

AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

The Minnesota Vikings traded up to draft JJ McCarthy with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. The organization did so knowing that McCarthy was 21 coming out of a run-first system that protected him as a passer.

To make matters worse, McCarthy suffered a torn meniscus during his first preseason, which cost him all of his rookie campaign. In Year 2, the former Big Ten Quarterback of the Year looked completely unprepared upon being thrust into the starting lineup.

The Vikings won't hand the former first-round pick anything this fall. Instead, the organization signed Kyler Murray in the offseason. Murray is now the presumed favorite to be Minnesota's QB1.

"And then for J.J., for somebody to enter that room with that type of ability, that type of talent, he's got to step it up a little bit," All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson said, per ESPN's Kevin Seifert. "So it's good for him to feel that type of pressure and to really lock in a little bit and say, 'It's either now or I'm going to take that back seat again.' So it's all a competitive mindset when it comes to these type of things. So it's all about who's ready for that moment and who's ready to step up and take that initiative."

A revamped and more diverse run game will certainly help McCarthy. At the same time, the quarterback must speed up the process and get the ball out more quickly. He can't rely on being a playmaker once structure breaks down. Murray can, because he's a superior athlete with better arm talent. McCarthy must become consistent as a down-by-down facilitator. If he shows growth in this particular area, he'll get an opportunity to start again, either with the Vikings or elsewhere.

WR Keon Coleman, Buffalo Bills

AP Photo/Adrian Kraus

Keon Coleman somehow went from being publicly thrown under the bus by Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula to possibly being a critical component within the team's offense this fall.

Buffalo made Coleman its top pick in the 2024 NFL draft. Since that point, the 22-year-old has dealt with inconsistencies, being benched and becoming a healthy scratch.

In response, the Bills traded for DJ Moore this offseason to give their wide receiver room a much-needed boost. But Coleman remains on the roster and provides a specific skill set if he's committed.

"I told Keon, 'Just take advantage of this offseason, man. Getting the connection with Josh and working,'" new head coach Joe Brady said, per ESPN's Alaina Getzenberg. "And he came back, you forget how big he is, man. And really excited. He's put a lot of work in."

Coleman is a 6'3", 214-pound target with a massive wingspan. He doesn't have the fluidity or separation skills to be a team's No. 1 target, which is where some of his issues lie. However, his size and catch radius make him an ideal option on third downs or in the red zone, where he can use his advantageous frame and body off opponents.

As long as the 22-year-old shows up every day and puts in the work, he can be a vital pierce to what Buffalo does. In order to achieved that goal, Coleman must remain invested, while the coaching staff engineers ways to get him the ball.

OT Will Campbell, New England Patriots

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This inclusion may come across as harsh, because Will Campbell is a talented left tackle prospect whose play helped the New England Patriots make a run to Super Bowl LX. At the same time, last year's fourth overall draft pick was clearly exploited by better edge-rushers during the Pats' postseason run.

His struggles ignited a heated online discourse over the importance of arm length in regards to offensive linemen. The discussion lacked the nuance, specifically the point that Campbell battled through injuries. Furthermore, a lack of length isn't necessarily the issue, which is why he made this list.

Hall of Fame left tackle Joe Thomas, who was the greatest technician of his era and possibly ever, described where Campbell's issues originated.

"The problem in the Super Bowl had nothing to do with arm length," Thomas said on The Ross Tucker Football Podcast. "It was the timing of his kick-set and the timing of his feet as it relates to the player he was trying to block. It was off, and I think that was part of the injury he sustained during the year."

For Campbell, improved health will go a long way. Furthermore, he can work on his craft to improve his footwork and timing. To the Patriots' credit, the organization hasn't wavered on moving the left tackle, because the coaching staff understood that he was battling through a lot in the team's biggest moments and shouldn't be criticized for playing through adversity.

DL Mazi Smith, New York Jets

AP Photo/Adrian Kraus

Mazi Smith's potential is built upon an obvious contradiction. The 6'3", 323-pound defensive lineman is an elite athlete. At the same time, he's a poor technician. One negates the other.

These traits and his skill set were readily apparent before being drafted in the first round by the Dallas Cowboys despite the latter being a significant issue.

"[Smith] likes to stand up out of his stance," Bleacher Report scout Matt Holder wrote. "Quick interior offensive linemen who play with good leverage will be his nemesis against the run at the next level. He's slow to get his hands up as a run defender, which will expose his chest and can lead to his shoulders getting turned versus combo and scoop blocks."

The Cowboys already traded Smith to the New York Jets as part of the Quinnen Williams deal and barely contributed after joining the AFC squad. It now falls on the Jets' staff to ensure the nose tackle can realize some of his immense upside.

At bare minimum, Smith can be an effective space-eater simply by firing off the ball with good pad level to take advantage of his brute strength and powerful hands. He doesn't need to be a disruptive playmaker. New York now has significant talent found among its front seven. Smith's concentration should be focused on playing low, doing the dirty work in the trenches and making life easier for everyone around him.

He and T'Vondre Sweat are two young and gifted nose tackles capable of controlling the line of scrimmage if properly developed.

Edge Tyree Wilson, New Orleans Saints

AP Photo/David Becker

The Las Vegas Raiders never seemed to have a specific plan for Tyree Wilson after making him the seventh overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. The New Orleans Saints traded a fifth-round pick for Wilson during this year's draft. New Orleans bought low with the hope of getting a rather large return on its investment.

Wilson was never a traditional edge-rusher. At Texas Tech, he was used up and down the line of scrimmage and thrived when primarily lined up as a 4i. His skill set was built upon a combination of size, length and straight-line athleticism. He shouldn't be viewed as a traditional end capable of working off the edge and generating 10-12 sacks per season. That's never been his game.

"Man, I love it," Wilson said of working different alignments, per ESPN's Ryan McFadden. "I get to work with different guys in different positions and help the rush go and be able to stop the run so we get to that third down."

The Raiders' continual upheaval among its coaching staff certainly didn't help matters. In three seasons, Wilson played for three different head coaches.

Last offseason, the defensive lineman talked about improving his footwork and cardio. Wilson didn't take a significant step forward in Year 3, but he's already concentrating on the little things to improve.

As part of Saints' lineup, Wilson is a better fit schematically in Brandon Staley's odd-man front. He doesn't need to develop into a primary pass-rusher, not with Chase Young and Carl Granderson already on the roster. Wilson can be deployed like he was at Texas Tech and hopefully develop while working in a more comfortable and familiar role.

CB/WR Travis Hunter, Jacksonville Jaguars

AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

Travis Hunter wants to be a two-way player. The Jacksonville Jaguars continue to say he'll contribute on both sides of the ball. At some point, both the organization and individual must realize he'll never reach his full potential while splitting his attention.

To be clear, Hunter has the skill set to play both ways. He's more than capable of creating an impact as a wide receiver or defensive back. He doesn't need to play only one position. The issue is not being able to concentrate on his craft and becoming a legitimate difference-maker at either spot.

The Jaguars' approach to Hunter's daily usage all but ensures the final point.

"I think we're going to blend the offseason schedule with him a little bit better than we did last year, which was more of like focusing per day on one side of the ball," head coach Liam Coen told reporters. "As we did it in-season, where he was more back and forth [on both sides of the ball] throughout the day, that may be a little bit more where we're trending."

At the highest level, the little things matter. Technique, nuance and an intimate understanding of what opponents are trying to achieve often become the difference between being a quality contributor and an All-Pro. Raw ability only goes so far. Proper preparation allows an elite athlete to reach peak performance.

Furthermore, Hunter's usage rate has to be a concern. He didn't make it through his rookie season before suffering a season-ending knee injury. The physicality found within the NFL is simply different compared to what Hunter accomplished at the collegiate level.

Eventually, a reassessment must occur with someone stepping in and deciding exactly how Hunter will be deployed on a regular basis. He can still help out the team in multiple areas, but his mindset must change to truly flourish.