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Former Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen has been selected with the seventh overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills on Thursday night.
The Bills moved into the spot by trading with the Tampa Bay Buccaneeers by moving on from the 12th overall and two second round picks in this year's draft. Allen steps into an opportunity to possibly start in his first season despite Buffalo signing A.J. McCarron via free agency this offseason.
In the months leading up to the NFL Draft, Allen saw his stock rise dramatically to being considered one of the top quarterbacks in this year's crop. He possesses arguably the strongest arm in this year's class that should help him make throws down the field with ease. Allen also possesses the preferred size at quarterback, standing 6-foot-5 and 233 pounds that should help him take the physical nature of the game at the next level.
The 21-year-old also had the largest measured hands in this year's crop of quarterbacks at 10 1/8″ that has been looked upon as a major asset in helping him with his ball security. Allen has all the physical attributes that scouts have raved about that could help him find success at the next level whenever he gets his chance to start.
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However, there have been questions concerning Allen's accuracy throwing the ball with a career 56.3 percent completion rate during his collegiate career. He has shown to be a work in progress with his footwork and mechanics throwing the ball. There is also some concern about his lack of major impact behind his production on the field.
In the 2017 season, he struggled to produce at a high level that would typically come with the territory of being an elite NFL prospect, as he threw for 1,812 yards on 56.3 percent completion rate with 16 touchdown passes and six interceptions in 11 games played.
Allen also struggled against the Power Five conference teams totaling just 238 passing yards on a 50 percent completion rate with three interceptions against Iowa and Oregon. Despite missing the last two regular-season games due to a shoulder injury, he performed well in the bowl game win over Central Michigan, completing 11-of-19 for 154 passing yards and three touchdown passes.
