2018 NFL Draft: A case for Josh Allen going first overall

Josh Allen is one of the most polarizing prospects in the 2018 NFL Draft, but the Cleveland Browns should give him a serious look at the top of the board.

The 2018 NFL draft is shaping up to be a fun one. In one of the most top-heavy drafts in history, the quarterback class has a lot of upside, but also a lot of questions. With the Cleveland Browns sitting at number one, does taking the player with the highest of both make sense?.

Josh Allen the gunslinger from Wyoming may be the most interesting player for scouts to figure out. Allen was basically unknown until the end of last season when Matt Miller of Bleacher Report put him at No. 4 to the Chicago Bears in a mock draft.

Allen contemplated coming out then, but after speaking with his coaches, he decided he needed for more time in school.

With all of the draft world watching, Allen struggled through his first few games of the 2017 season. He especially struggled against power-five teams. His numbers against Hawaii were terrible and his numbers against Oregon were almost laughable.

So here we are trying to figure out if Allen is still a QB1.

The answer to that question is maybe. Allen has a huge arm. His deep ball accuracy is second to none and he has the ability to stretch plays, allowing receivers to get deep. He also has great size. He weighed in at the Senior Bowl at close to 6’5″ and around 235 pounds, which is great for a player at that position.

His hands were the big measurable at just over 10 inches. Most scouts will tell you that hand size at the pro level is more important than any other measurable.

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Allen’s ceiling is the roof. Most scouts feel that if he develops properly, he could be in the elite category—maybe a top 10 quarterback in the NFL. With questions looming about Sam Darnold‘s arm strength and Josh Rosen‘s commitment, Allen may give teams picking high a third option to build around.

Allen will need to improve his accuracy. He didn’t improve very much between last season and this season, as some of his numbers went south. He did, however, face a significant decline in supporting talent.

That may sound like an excuse, but hit a lot of players in the hands with passes that were dropped. Also, his young receiver corps seemed to run the wrong route too often.

Bottom line in all of this is that Allen won. Last season may have had its ups and down, but there was no greater example of how talented Allen was than during the San Jose State game. SJSU was one of the worst teams in football this season and Wyoming lost.

Their win/loss record was 2-11. The only game Allen didn’t play in this season was against SJSU—and the dropoff was noticeable.

Allen may be a huge risk, but in the NFL, it’s more about what you can do than what you can’t.

Must Read: Report: The Cleveland Browns aren't enamored with any quarterback in the 2018 NFL Draft

With Josh Allen’s upside, the Cleveland Browns will have a hard time passing on him at the 2018 NFL Draft.

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