2018 NFL Draft: Quarterback guru Jordan Palmer praises Josh Allen

Josh Allen is one of the most polarizing prospects in NFL Draft history, but quarterback guru Jordan Palmer believes there’s something special about the Wyoming star.

The 2018 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the most polarizing events in recent history. Teams are talking themselves into quarterbacks, battling the desire to select prospects at other positions and fighting to obtain a sense of elusive stability at the sport’s most crucial position.

No player embodies the NFL’s version of March Madness quite like Wyoming Cowboys quarterback and projected top-five draft pick Josh Allen.

Allen has all of the physical tools that scouts and coaches look for in a starting quarterback. His accuracy on short and intermediate throws have left many underwhelmed, however, with some even questioning if he’ll ever improve.

According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, quarterback guru Jordan Palmer addressed that concern by comparing Allen to Carson Wentz in the sense that they’re both, “Obsessed,” with football.

"“In terms of competitive temperament I think it’s really similar,” said Palmer. “Size, athleticism, arm talent, I don’t know that Carson throws it as well as Josh does in terms of velocity and arm strength, and I think that Carson Wentz is the MVP of the league, it’s not an indictment. But the way that they approach the game I think is similar. They’re obsessed with it, which you’ve got to be at this young age especially. And so yeah, I think there are some comparisons there.”"

For a player as raw as Allen, that obsession will go a long way towards defining how successful he is in the NFL.

Cabot’s entire article is brilliant—seriously, you should read it—but this quote about Allen and Wentz may be the most telling of all. Allen has all of the physical tools to be an elite player, with a rare combination of size, weight, length, hand size, and athleticism.

When coupled with one of the biggest arms in recent NFL Draft history, Allen’s physical gifts become even more impressive.

Based on his inefficiency as a passer and his lackluster production against high-level competition, however, Allen’s college career leaves something to be desired.

If what Palmer says rings true, a team may be able to silence those concerns and help Allen become the superstar that he’s capable of developing into. A powerful work ethic is an appealing trait at any position, and it becomes even more compelling when a player is physically equipped for greatness.

The question is: Will Allen’s remarkable upside be enough to convince the Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, or New York Jets to make him a top-four draft pick?

Must Read: Key strengths and weaknesses for Josh Allen

If Jordan Palmer is right about Josh Allen, then he may very well be the must-have quarterback prospect in the 2018 NFL Draft.