While it is a dream for NFL prospects to be taken high in the NFL Draft, there is also a lot of risk because every situation is not the same. The situation that Caleb Williams walked into with the Chicago Bears this past April was arguably the best one that any number one overall pick has been drafted into. It is almost never a great setup for the first overall draft pick.
Even though Josh Allen was not drafted first overall in 2018, he was not drafted in the best situation at #7 overall. Buffalo traded up from #12 to #7 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to draft their franchise quarterback and while there was a lot to look forward to for the future, there were no doubts that the Bills were going to have growing pains.
Dallas Robinson from Pro Football Network released a rankings list of NFL rookie quarterbacks who were drafted into tough situations to start out their career. Coming in at #8 on Robinson’s list was the Bills drafting Allen. Despite Allen rising to the star level that he is at currently, it was not an easy start for him in 2018. The Bills lost the three starters on the offensive line which created a potential nightmare for Allen in his rookie season. The cherry on top was the receivers that were on the roster, just like Robinson mentioned.
A receiver core where the best wide receiver option at one was Deonte Thompson was a major problem. The Bills would end up finishing the season at 6-10 but as the season progressed, there were signs of flashes in Allen’s development. In the last week of the regular season against none other than the Miami Dolphins, Allen had his best game of the season with five total touchdowns in a 42-17 victory, sparking the start of his domination of the Dolphins.
Since his rookie season, the Bills have surrounded Allen with talent like Cole Beasley, John Brown, Stefon Diggs, Devin Singletary and much more that have helped him elevate his game in a big way. Allen’s jump that he had in 2020 is one of the greatest we have ever seen. He went from an above average quarterback with flashes in his game to an MVP caliber level where he has helped the Bills win four consecutive division championships. Up next for Allen is getting Buffalo to the Super Bowl and raising the Lombardi trophy.