2018 NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up in Week 1
Josh Allen (QB – Wyoming) vs. Iowa
As the potential number one overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Josh Allen will be closely monitored by NFL scouts all season. Week one will be especially critical for the Wyoming quarterback as he’ll face an Iowa defense returning seven starters on defense.
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Allen will be without his top three receivers from last season, as well as his top two running backs. He’ll have to carry much more of the load this season, especially early on. If Allen wants to be a serious contender for the top pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, he’ll have to improve upon his 56 percent completion rate from last season. Topping that number with an almost entirely new receiving corps would certainly elevate his stock.
If the battle for the top pick comes down to a QB, as it often does, Allen will face steep competition from the likes of UCLA’s Josh Rosen and Sam Darnold of USC. With few opportunities to shine against power five competition, Allen needs to start the season with a strong performance against the Hawkeyes.