Buffalo Bills position room preview: Quarterback

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MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 02: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills leads the team on to the field prior to the game between the Miami Dolphins and the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on December 2, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

The franchise quarterback: Josh Allen

When the Bills selected Josh Allen at pick No. 7 in the 2018 NFL Draft, the team faced their fair of doubts and skepticism concerning the player and fit. In the Wyoming product’s rookie year, he silenced most of those critics. Though he got off to a rocky start, Allen showed true franchise quarterback potential.

Allen’s 2018 stat line is a bit rough — he passed for 2,074 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions on a 52.8% completion rate. Without context, most assumed he had a bad rookie year. But that’s far from the truth — he played with a legitimately bad supporting cast from offensive line to skill position players.

Despite playing on a bad Bills offense, Allen showed he has what it takes to be their franchise guy. His wicked strong arm and quick release proved to translate well to the NFL; just as important was his progression throughout the season. After coming back from a shoulder injury sustained in week five, the game appeared to slow down for Allen. In the last six games of the season, he went 3-3 and racked up 1,718 total yards while scoring 13 total touchdowns.

Allen has a ways to go to be a top-10 quarterback, including improvement in accuracy and decision making. But his potential is sky high. The rookie’s big arm, size (6-foot-5), and rushing ability (his 631 yards led the Bills) gives one flashes of a Cam Newton. If he can further his development, there is no reason why he can’t have the same impact as the former MVP.

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