2018 NFL Draft: Josh Allen working on mechanics with Jordan Palmer
2018 NFL Draft prospect Josh Allen is reportedly working with former quarterback Jordan Palmer to correct his flawed mechanics.
No word is more dangerous in the world of professional sports than, “Upside.” In every sport, teams attempt to look past what a prospect currently is and determine how good they could potentially become.
In the months leading up to the 2018 NFL Draft, no prospect is hearing that word more than polarizing Wyoming Cowboys quarterback Josh Allen.
Allen is one of the more fundamentally raw players in this draft class, but his prototypical size and elite arm strength have created No. 1 overall hype. In anticipation of such transpiring, Allen is working with a quarterback guru to address the concerns about his fundamentals.
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL.com, an anonymous NFC executive credits former NFL quarterback Jordan Palmer with helping Allen improve mechanically.
"“I thought his feet were under him a little bit better and he was a little bit more balanced [at the Senior Bowl],” an NFC executive said. “He’s been working with a guru (Jordan Palmer), and I think it helped.”"
The knock against Allen is that he made limited progress during his collegiate career, but that doesn’t mean he can’t still improve.
Standing at 6’5″ and 233 pounds, Allen has the size and thick frame that teams dream of in a franchise quarterback. He can stand tall in the pocket when the pass rush is closing in, and has the lower body and arm strength to shed tacklers and get the ball upfield.
Allen has been compared to Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco in that regard, although the general consensus is that the former Wyoming star is a far better athlete.
That’s what ties Allen’s compelling draft stock together. In addition to having a cannon for an arm and tremendous size, he can pick up a first down with his legs.
What works for Allen is that a 6’5″ quarterback with a big arm, a sturdy build, and the athletic ability to be able to run for big gains is generally reserved for Madden. He’s the living and breathing example of that elusive prospect, and is thus nearing the top of many draft boards.
The question is: Can Josh Allen address the concerns about his short and intermediate accuracy to develop into the player he’s capable of becoming?
At least one organization will prove willing take that chance at the 2018 NFL Draft.