2018 NFL Draft Rumors: Cleveland Browns eyeing Josh Allen at No. 1
The Cleveland Browns were previously rumored to be locked in on Sam Darnold, but that was before Josh Allen wowed the masses at his Pro Day.
The Cleveland Browns are in firm control of the 2018 NFL Draft. In addition to entering the offseason with the most cap space in the league—after the Jimmy Garoppolo deal, of course—the Browns are in possession of the No. 1, No. 4, No. 33, and No. 35 overall selections.
While rumors previously stated that Sam Darnold was a lock to go No. 1 overall, it appears as though Cleveland is considering another option at quarterback.
Darnold dazzled scouts, coaches, and executives at a Pro Day that validated the hype. Amidst whispers of Darnold not wanting to play for the Browns, however, the organization has all but inevitably turned its attention to other possibilities.
According to Peter King of The MMQB, a friend of Browns general manager John Dorsey believes that Josh Allen will be the pick at No. 1 overall.
Draft rumor alert! A friend of Cleveland GM John Dorsey believes that Cleveland will pick Josh Allen and Saquon Barkley with the first and fourth picks. @SI_PeterKing's MMQB: https://t.co/yiGwdz7oM1
— The MMQB (@theMMQB) April 2, 2018
A friend’s belief about another’s intention isn’t exactly the most concrete of reports, but it was quickly corroborated by Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
I’ve had this discussion, as well. The thinking being, John Dorsey has (almost) always had QBs with rocket arms. Not Alex Smith but everyone else. And Josh Allen has the biggest arm. https://t.co/5djQogej6L
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 2, 2018
For what it’s worth, between King and Rapoport, there’s an abundance of credibility as far as reporting on the NFL is concerned.
Of the projected first-round draft picks at quarterback, Allen is easily the most raw. Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, and Josh Rosen are all regarded as highly accurate passers, while Lamar Jackson and Mason Rudolph overcome some measure of the concerns with their statistics.
Allen, meanwhile, produced underwhelming numbers in a less competitive conference than the other five prospects competed in, respectively.
True as that may be, Allen is a generational prospect from the pure perspective of his rare combination of arm strength, build, and athleticism.
Allen has the biggest arm in this draft class, and the general consensus around the NFL is that it isn’t even close. He’s also the prototype from a physical perspective, with a 6’5″ and 237-pound frame, long arms, big hands, borderline elite agility, and compelling speed.
With a year to sit behind Pro Bowl quarterback Tyrod Taylor in Cleveland, Allen could address the concerns about his inaccuracy while eluding the pressure of an every-down quarterback.
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The question is: Will it be Josh Allen or Sam Darnold who ultimately becomes the No. 1 overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft?