NFL Draft Diamonds Scouting Report: Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
Josh Allen is a big physical quarterback, Reminds me a lot of Cam Newton. Newton is a better runner though. But the comparisons are similar. Allen stands 6’5 and 237 pounds, with a big hand of 10 1/8 inches. Allen isn’t known for his pinpoint accuracy but more for his arm strength and power. It is very easy to fall in love with Allen and his skill set. Big and tall and strong-armed quarterback that can make the deep ball throws as well as having the ability to escape the pocket and run for a first down. He can be an offensive coordinators dream of a prototypical passer that can zip it in tight windows and a velocity on his balls to make a throw anywhere on the field.
The problem with Allen is that he isn’t a true number 1 just yet. He holds all the tools and traits of a franchise quarterback. But one knock on him will be his accuracy. Yes, he did lose some players from this past season to either the draft or graduation. But Allen has never thrown for over 60 percent completion rate as a starter. ( Not counting his freshman year where he only threw 6 passes. ) That plus playing for a small school from the MAC in Wyoming. His competition was limited, Some say if he were to play for a bigger school in a bigger and better competition then he may not even be in the talks of being one of the better quarterbacks this season. Considering he went 56.2 percent completion and 44 touchdowns and 21 interceptions are not great numbers. But then you look at the potential and size and Allen screams franchise quarterback.
Allen will be a risk-reward pick come draft day. Risk being Allen doesn’t pan out as the franchise quarterback and you wasted a draft pick. Reward being you took a chance and it paid off with a franchise quarterback that can make any throw from anywhere on the field.
In the interviews at the Senior Bowl Allen was quick to say he want’s to go to a team that fits him and what he does well. Allen went on to say if that is the Browns then great but if it isn’t that’s fine as well and he wouldn’t want them to draft him. The clear cut answer is he isn’t afraid to speak his mind. ( Which is a good thing for that position. ) I can see where he is coming from considering Marcus Mariota from Tennessee last year was in a bad offensive scheme that just didn’t suit what he does well, Add that with injuries and you can see why he didn’t have a good season.
His play at the Senior Bowl was impressive. Didn’t practice really great but when he was put into the game he delivered. Throwing for 9-13 and 158 yards and 2 touchdowns. With one of his touchdown throws being a beautiful pinpoint accuracy into the wide receiver’s hands.
I would like to see Josh Allen go to a team like the Giants, Bengals, or even the L.A Chargers. The reason being the Giants, Bengals, and Chargers have their quarterback for the next 1 to 3 years max. That would allow Allen to sit and learn and practice his craft and get ready for this level. Plus those teams have a good foundation around their quarterbacks at wide receivers and or running backs. But there’s a lot of talks about Denver Broncos and GM John Elway really being intrigued by Allen. Denver picks at 5.
Allen is my number 3 quarterback behind Rosen and Darnold but could be the best out of all them. I believe Allen would last no longer than pick 17 of the Chargers. My overall grade for Allen at the moment would be a (7.5) which is a day 1 pick with the potential to be an all-pro player.
This report was completed by Cody Ladue. Follow him here!!
NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com