Charlie Neibergall/Associated Press

Josh Allen NFL Draft 2018: Scouting Report for Buffalo Bills' Pick

Matt Miller

POSITIVES

Allen's arm strength ranks as the best some scouts have ever seen.

He can easily hit deep comebacks on a line with tight velocity and has the power to push the ball vertically. He can stretch the field to lengths most quarterbacks cannot.

Allen has the ability to thread the ball into tight windows and can make "wow" throws that leave you shaking your head.

As an athlete, he uses his 6'5", 237-pound frame well and can run over or around defenders.

On the move, Allen can make throws without having to reset his feet and is able to still throw with power while rolling left or right.

—He has played in a pro-style offense and worked under center at Wyoming.

         

NEGATIVES

Allen's film shows poor decisions and errant passes where the ball gets away from him.

—His subpar completion percentage (56 percent) can be attributed to poor decisions, passes thrown too hard, drops and plain misses.

When Allen misses, he tends to miss big and often throws high on crossing routes.

His footwork needs to be refined so that he's stepping into throws and aligning his lower body with his shoulders—an issue a lot of "arm" throwers have.

He leaves a clean pocket too often (not trusting his offensive line) and will extend plays instead of throwing the ball away, which can lead to lost yards.

         

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GRADE: 7.15 (Round 1)

PRO COMPARISON: Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers

         

OVERALL

As a developmental prospect, Allen has the traits that make coaches drool. His arm talent, athleticism, football IQ and personality are all ideal. The question every front office will ask is if it can get the most out of him.

Many will make excuses for Allen's struggles (two-year starter at Wyoming, poor supporting cast, etc.), but evaluators are taught to see Allen's strengths, and he has plenty of those.

   

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