2018 NFL Draft: Key strengths and weaknesses for Josh Allen

Strength: Athleticism

We touched upon this earlier, but it can’t be overstated how valuable athleticism can be at the quarterback position. It’s not a vital strength—see: Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, and so forth—but it’s an excellent complementary skill.

When the pocket collapses and a player thinks they have Allen in their sights, he has a unique ability to extend and make plays in a way that few others can.

Allen has the rare gift of high-level speed and athleticism for a player his size. That means he can not only power or throw his way out of a collapsed pocket, but utilize his legs to extend plays and even pick up the first down.

Some may say that this sounds like Blake Bortles, but with Bortles’ inconsistencies have come flashes of brilliance—meaning Allen will have the benefit of hindsight.

Allen ran the 40-yard dash in 4.75 seconds at the Scouting Combine, and has the game speed to support that figure. Throw in the fact that he’s 6’5″ and a sturdy 237 pounds, and Allen becomes one of the most difficult sacks in the country.

With elite size and arm strength, and the athleticism to make plays with his legs, it’s easy to see why scouts love Allen’s upside.