QB SCOUTING REPORTS - qb6 Josh allen, wyoming

A rare physical specimen and easily the strongest arm in the draft, Josh Allen certainly looks the part of a potential franchise QB. But his unconventional development saw him start just two seasons at Wyoming after arriving as a junior college transfer and his abilities are, at this stage, quite raw. Even after his successful juco career at Reedley College in California, Allen only received two Division I offers and unsuccessfully tried to beg a scholarship out of Fresno State. He is overlooked no longer, however, and all reports indicate that NFL front offices see him as one of the best prospects in the 2018 draft class.

PROS

There’s no way to get around Allen’s arm strength, he can simply make every throw on the field. Strong enough to make deep, powerful throws both on the move and under duress. Has the potential to be one of the best deep-ball passers in the NFL with plenty of jaw-dropping throws on tape and more arm already than most of the league’s starting QBs. Huge, sturdy, athletic frame and surprisingly agile for his size. Has a great feel for stepping up in the pocket and avoiding pressure with his eyes down field, further accentuated by his experience at Wyoming taking snaps from under center and working pro-style dropbacks. Has demonstrated in flashes the ability to anticipate throws, creatively assess proper ball trajectory for a given throw and to extend plays in the face of pressure. Flashed the ability to work through multiple reads when necessary. Humble, unassuming, natural born leader who was loved by his teammates and coaches in college.

CONS

Accuracy. It’s arguably the most important QB prospect trait and it’s the one in which Allen is most lacking. Becomes skittish in the face of interior pressure, leading to off-rhythm throws and bad decisions. Many examples on film of poor decisions in the pass game, often seemingly brought on by a lack of mastery of pre and post-snap reads. Can struggle to find a consistent release point, and thus a consistently optimal trajectory and velocity, for passes down field. Self-admitted recurring footwork issues which contributed to accuracy problems. Does not display a consistent command of game management nuances like when to throw away to avoid a sack, when to flee the pocket and how to avoid contact when running/when to slide. Can hold the ball too long and his pocket awareness is lacking. Has a definite tendency toward ‘hero ball,’ especially when scrambling and off schedule. Mental process both pre and post snap will have to speed up significantly as a pro. Performed miserably against his best competition last season and missed some time late in the year due to injury.

VERDICT

Given the right development and plenty of patience, Josh Allen has the base physical tools to become a frightening NFL starter. However, due the QB demand in the league right now and the types of franchises that will be in position to take him this year it seems highly questionable that he will stand to benefit from either skilled tutelage or stability wherever he lands. This makes Allen one of the largest high-draft gambles in this class and in recent memory. Early in the process I had an early second round grade on him, but given his incredible potential and the common sense fact that he would not survive the back end of the first round this year, or seemingly any other, I have him graded now as a late first round pick. It’s both where his skill set dictates and where he would find the best franchise match for his optimal development.

PROSPECT COMP

Josh Freeman

GRADE

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