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2018 NFL Draft: Josh Allen battling Sam Darnold for the top QB spot

By Shawn Spencer

Mar 7, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass during spring practice at Howard Jones Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass during spring practice at Howard Jones Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 21, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Wyoming Cowboys quarterback Josh Allen (17) looks to pass during the second quarter against the Brigham Young Cougars at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Wyoming Cowboys quarterback Josh Allen (17) looks to pass during the second quarter against the Brigham Young Cougars at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Where Josh Allen Wins

One of the easiest differences to spot between Allen and Darnold is the disparity in arm strength. Darnold has plenty of arm strength to connect on throws throughout the route tree, but Allen’s arm is off the charts. Just like in the play below, Allen has no trouble launching the ball deep downfield with accuracy while on the move.

That arm strength not only helps on the deep ball, it also allows him to attempt throws into tight coverage. Here, Allen fires a laser from the middle of the field to the left sideline. The receiver runs a comeback route and is able to haul in the pass just before Damontae Kazee, a fifth-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, can close on the play.

Along with the arm strength, Allen also possesses good accuracy downfield. He’ll take plenty of risks throughout the game, but for the most part, places the ball where only his receiver has a chance to come down with it.

Wyoming Cowboys Football
Wyoming Cowboys Football /

Wyoming Cowboys Football

While Allen’s deep ball is what generates the hype, he also excelled in the red zone last season. When using the NFL formula, Allen’s quarterback rating in the red zone was 111.782 compared to Darnold’s 104.982. Allen’s rating was higher than all 10 quarterbacks selected in the 2017 NFL Draft. His decision making drastically improved as he moved closer to his opponent’s goal line. A quick release also played a big role in his success inside the 20-yard line. Both Allen and Darnold have a quick release, but Allen’s release is a lot smoother. Darnold has a slightly elongated windup, while Allen’s is more condensed and over the top.

The final trait in which Allen exceeds Darnold is athletic ability. This doesn’t just mean his ability as a runner, but his accuracy on the move as well. The play above against Nebraska proves that point, so let’s focus on the running ability. There are plays in which Allen would be better served staying poised and in the pocket, but he does display solid vision to find the open lane once he decides to take off.

Here Allen sees a linebacker blitzing off the edge, which means Boise State only has six defenders playing the pass against five receivers. Knowing where his receivers are going to be, Allen bursts into the open field and doesn’t encounter a defender until he’s right at the first-down marker. Even if the initial stop is made, Allen likely falls forward for the first down. Instead, he sheds the tackle and picks up an additional five yards.

Unlike Patrick Mahomes II, who was the biggest gunslinger of the 2017 NFL Draft class, Allen plays in a system much more akin to an NFL offense. Wyoming’s head coach Craig Bohl and offensive coordinator Brent Vigen already have one pupil in the NFL in Carson Wentz, and are a year away from having a second in Allen (if he declares). Wentz proved he was ready to take over an NFL franchise immediately and Allen may be asked to do the same. If his accuracy improves, specifically on short and intermediate throws, Allen will come off the board very early in the 2018 NFL Draft.

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