New York Jets 2018 NFL Draft Target: Josh Allen
The New York Jets own the third overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft. One prospect they may pick is quarterback Josh Allen of the University of Wyoming.
So who are the New York Jets going to select with that precious third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft? One thing is virtually certain – they are going to tab their future franchise quarterback. They have to. One prospect that may be available when they’re on the clock is Josh Allen of the University of Wyoming.
The 6-5, 233-pounder was an honorable mention All-Mountain West selection last year for the Cowboys after tossing 16 touchdowns and six interceptions. Allen threw for just 1,812 yards and completed only 56.3 percent of his attempts in 2017.
He probably has the strongest arm in the entire draft but the Firebaugh, CA native struggled against some formidable foes (Iowa and Oregon in particular). He bounced back and had a solid outing against Central Michigan in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (11-of-19, 154 yards, three touchdowns, zero interceptions).
Let’s take a look at some of his career highlights via YouTube:
PROS: Allen has an absolute cannon for a right arm. As the video clearly shows, Allen can really fire the ball from any area of the field. He can make any throw and is especially effective on the deep out pattern. Allen has excellent height and a sturdy frame for a NFL signal-caller. He throws the ball superbly on the run and is able to escape pressure when flushed from the pocket with his quick feet and athleticism. Allen also possess excellent scrambling ability. Just look at the video, that skill jumps out at you. He reminds me of a young Roger Staubach, which is a fine compliment indeed.
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The 21-year old Allen is an elusive open field runner who is deceptively speedy when he gets up a head of steam. He changes direction quite well for a quarterback. His balance is top-notch. He also has experience playing in bad weather. That should not be overlooked if the Jets draft him because he’ll be performing in poor weather in November and December in the AFC East.
CONS: Accuracy. Sometimes Allen has too much zip on the ball. He needs to develop a softer touch when necessary. He has a gunslinger’s mentality due to his rocket arm. Allen takes too many chances on low percentage throws. He’ll try to make the big play when it’s not there at times. There are scenarios when he forces the issue too often. Allen needs to stay within himself and take the play that is in front of him instead of going for the home run, so to speak.
Most of Allen’s pre-snap reads were done in shotgun formation so he’ll need to get more repetition under center. He needs improvement in reading defenses. There were instances when he did not let his receivers routes develop fully. Much like Jay Cutler, Allen tries to rely on his superior arm strength to bail him out when a safer, shorter throw would be more productive.
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BOTTOM LINE: Allen has the kind of arm strength that scouts drool about. With that being said, he’s probably the greatest boom-or-bust quarterback in the entire draft class. He’ll need time to develop. He has to play smarter. His accuracy issues are a concern. However, a prospect with this type of arm and mobility doesn’t come down the pike every year. Allen could sit for a season behind Teddy Bridgewater and/or Josh McCown and learn the NFL game. McCown would be an outstanding mentor for him. With proper coaching and development, Allen could emerge as one of the top young signal-callers in the entire league.