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Following weeks of speculation leading up to the 2018 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills made the leap up to the seventh overall spot in a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to take former Wyoming Josh Allen. Beyond just his tremendously strong arm, there has been much criticism that Allen isn't as polished of a player as the other top talents at his position.
During an interview with WGR 550 AM on Monday morning, Bills general manager Brandon Beane refuted that stance concerning the 21-year-old's skill set entering the NFL, according to Mike Rodak of ESPN.
Brandon Beane on @WGR550 disputes the idea that Josh Allen is “raw,” saying he did not agree with the “so-called labels” that “national gurus” put on quarterbacks.
— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) April 30, 2018
Much of this talk has centered around his lack of true accuracy throwing the ball completing just 56.2 percent of his passes during his stint at the collegiate level. This is a number that draws some level concern given that it will be more difficult to complete throws in the NFL given the increased speed of the game and tighter coverages against stiffer competition.
This has also brought questions about his footwork being a work in progress along with his mechanics throwing the ball. On top of that, he also had a lack of major impact behind his production on the field. In the 2017 campaign, he threw for just 1,812 yards on 56.3 percent completion rate with 16 touchdown passes and six interceptions in 11 games played. Allen also struggled against Power Five conference teams totaling just 238 passing yards on a 50 percent completion rate with three interceptions against Iowa and Oregon.
All of this has factored into that perception built around Allen over the last few months leading into the start of his NFL career. That said, he will have a chance to change that narrative with the Bills if he's able to work his way into the starting job and play well when he gets on the field. The ball is in his hands to showcase that he can be an efficient passer along with fit the mold as the franchise quarterback that Buffalo is hoping to have in him.
