Altmyer is the quintessential QB2 prospect — a cerebral, rhythm-based passer who maximizes average physical tools through elite processing, quick release, and an uncommon competitive toughness. He manipulates defenders with his eyes, delivers catchable balls on timing routes, and has led three consecutive winning seasons at Illinois with remarkable late-game composure, including seven game-winning drives in the final minute or OT. The arm talent is below-average by NFL standards and the mobility is bottom-tier for the position, which caps his ceiling hard — he's never going to win a game with his legs or push the ball 55 yards into a tight window. But the floor is a decade-long NFL career as a reliable backup who can step in, run a West Coast or quick-passing system, and not lose you games while the starter is out.
- Elite processing speed and quick release — one of the fastest times to throw in college football, which compensates for physical limitations
- Advanced eye manipulation and field reading — consistently moves safeties with his gaze and finds open receivers through full-field progressions
- Proven clutch performer with seven game-winning drives in final minute/OT over two seasons — intangible composure that NFL coaches value
- Excellent touch passer who protects receivers with ball placement, particularly on vertical routes to the boundary and timing-based in-breakers
- Three-year Power 4 starter with 23-12 record, 67.4% completion rate, and 22/5 TD/INT ratio in his senior year — production validates tape
- Below-average arm strength (PFF Velocity 5/10) limits ability to make NFL-caliber throws into tight windows against zone coverage or in adverse weather
- Bottom-tier mobility (PFF Field Mobility 2/10, 4.72 combine 40) — cannot escape NFL-speed pass rushers or extend plays when protection breaks down
- Undersized frame (6'1¾", 210 lbs, 9" hands, 29⅞" arms) raises durability and sight-line concerns at the next level
- Stares down receivers and holds the ball too long intermittently — a habit that will be more severely punished against NFL-caliber coverage
Process-oriented pocket passer who wins with timing, preparation, and composure rather than physical tools. Both are undersized, limited athletically, but understand how to run an offense efficiently and avoid catastrophic mistakes. Rush carved out a career as a high-end backup who can win games in relief — that is Altmyer's most likely NFL path.