2018 NFL Draft: Why the Buffalo Bills should pass on Josh Allen
The 2018 NFL Draft is nearly here and a common trend in mock drafts is Josh Allen to Buffalo. Here’s why the Bills should pass on Allen.
With the 2018 NFL Draft just a day away, more and more mock drafts seem to be coming out. Shockingly, more mocks seem to have the Buffalo Bills selecting Josh Allen. Though nothing is set in stone, it seems highly likely that the Bills are going to use their No. 12 overall selection to draft Allen.
Out of the University of Wyoming, Allen’s numbers aren’t blowing anyone away. This is a concern, as he played in the weak Mountain West Conference where the top team is usually Boise State.
After considering to enter last year’s draft, Allen decided to stay at Wyoming for his junior year. It looks as if Allen made the wrong decision. In 13 games played Allen racked up 16 touchdowns and threw six interceptions, for a grand total of 1,812 passing yards.
Allen’s numbers the previous year were much better when he threw for 3,203 passing yards, 28 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.
The Comparisons
Allen does however have a few surprising upsides despite his poor showings on the field. One of them is certainly his size. Standing at an astounding 6-foot-5 and weighing in at 240 pounds, it’s clear to see now why Allen is drawing comparisons to the likes of Cam Newton, Donovan McNabb and Ben Roethlisberger.
Allen’s most recent game in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl also showcases some decent numbers, but nothing that will jump out at to NFL teams. Allen finished the game 11-19 for 154 yards and three touchdowns. Allen also was named the game’s MVP.
The Dark Cloud
When it comes to Allen there has always been one dark cloud that has seemed to follow him throughout his collegiate days, and that cloud is his completion percentage. At 6-foot-5 it’s astounding to think that such a big quarterback could have such a low completion percentage, especially when Allen is towering over everybody at the line of scrimmage.
Allen’s completion percentage ranks the lowest out of all the highly touted quarterbacks in this year’s draft. Having a completion percentage of 56.3 percent in 2017 and 56 percent in 2016, Allen’s numbers don’t even scratch the surface compared to Baker Mayfield or Sam Darnold’s numbers. Out of all the quarterbacks that are getting the high praise in this year’s draft, Allen has the biggest potential to be a bust.
With Allen, teams can either get a quarterback like Roethlisberger, a quarterback who is big, strong-armed, powerful and raw. Or teams could either get a bust, someone who could be out of the league in three or four years. It really is that big of a range with Allen.
Next: Buffalo Bills 2018 NFL Draft Big Board: Round 1
Bills fans have seen this story before in 2013, when Buffalo selected a similar “big” quarterback in E.J. Manuel with the No. 16 overall selection.