(Editor's Note: While the start of the 2018 NFL Draft isn't until April 26, it's never too early to profile some of the key participants. The staff of DallasCowboys.com intends to preview the landscape of the draft's top prospect, with an emphasis on possible Cowboys draft picks – from the first round to the last. Today's featured player is Wyoming's Josh Allen.)
- Name: Josh Allen
- Position: Quarterback
- College:Wyoming
- Height/Weight:6-4 / 237
- Honors:All-Mountain West Honorable Mention in 2017; second-team all-conference pick in 2016.
- Key Stat:Allen threw 44 touchdown passes in two full seasons as Wyoming's starter but only completed 56 percent of 643 total throws.
Where He's Projected:
After flashing his elite arm strength at the NFL Scouting Combine last week, Allen is widely considered a top-15 pick and some mock drafts have him slotted first overall to Cleveland. Allen's passing accuracy in college is a general concern, though it should be noted that he didn't have an elite supporting cast at Wyoming. Most observers believe Allen's upside is high, and there's no question he's still motivated by the lack of interest he got from major programs coming out of high school in California.
How He Helps The Cowboys:
Speaking at the Combine last week, team owner/general manager Jerry Jones said the team would prefer to find and develop another quarterback over adding a veteran this offseason. However, with Dallas fully committed to starter Dak Prescott, it seems highly unlikely that the front office will draft a quarterback in the early rounds, particularly with so many needs elsewhere on the roster. If Allen does go off the board somewhere in the first 18 picks, it would increase the Cowboys' chances of landing another player they like at No. 19.
- Analysts are struggling to determine where Allen fits in the mix of these top quarterbacks. From studying every throw he made last season, his issues with inaccuracy are not all on him. There were plenty of snaps where his receivers didn't help him. No disrespect to the kids that suit up for them, but they're not up to major college or NFL talent.
- When Allen showed up at the Senior Bowl and Combine, he looked like a different player due to the guys he was throwing to. His arm talent is rare – similar to the Jeff Georges and Brett Favres of the world. The ball whistled off those guys' hands, and the same can be said for Allen.
- In watching him play, there's not a throw he can't make. Downfield, sideline and underneath – he can do it all. He's a flick-of-the-wrist type of quarterback.
- He makes it hard for a defender to drive on the ball due to his velocity. Can fit the ball in tight spots.
- Will use his feet to buy a second chance.
- Strong enough to avoid the rush in the pocket.
- Fact that functions in cold weather is a plus.
- Has the traits to play a long time in this league.
