Josh Allen? First overall?
Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen the first pick in the 2018 NFL draft, by the Cleveland Browns?
That’s how Mel Kiper sees the draft going -- in his first mock draft at least. Kiper has the Browns taking Allen over Josh Rosen or Sam Darnold.
With the fourth pick, Kiper gives the Browns a steal: Penn State running back Saquon Barkley.
Kiper's projection for the first overall selection is a really interesting choice.
Allen’s attributes are evident. He is a big (6-foot-5 and 230 pounds), strong-armed guy. He can throw the ball with major velocity. He has a John Elway-like arm.
But the argument against taking him is one number: 56.
As in Allen completed 56 percent of his passes the last two seasons at Wyoming. After a season of DeShone Kizer at 52 percent, it’s hard to see the Browns going with a quarterback first overall who completed 56 percent in college.
The Browns will scout Allen closely at the Senior Bowl. There could be factors in the completion percentage the Browns will look beyond. Kiper might believe the Browns can’t pass on Allen’s raw ability. But Scouts Inc. has Allen ranked 16th overall, and third among quarterbacks behind Rosen (of UCLA, first overall player) and Darnold (of USC, third overall). Drafting Allen would mean the Browns would have to add a veteran quarterback such as Alex Smith to hold the position while Allen and Kizer grow.
It’s early in the draft planning and there’s a lot of evaluation and discussion to follow. But it sure is an interesting thought, the Browns taking Allen over the two Pac-12 players.
As for the Browns taking Barkley fourth overall ... zero issue with that pick. Barkley can run, catch and would step in immediately for Isaiah Crowell, who appears headed to free agency. Many analysts believe that Barkley is the best player in the draft. If the Browns can get him at No. 4, it’s a steal.
Kiper could give the Alabama safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Browns, but he chose the running back. Either is fine, and Barkley has potential to be special.
The general feeling about the Browns' first-round picks is that they'll take a quarterback and Barkley. That it’s Allen over Rosen and Darnold is a bit of a surprise, but if the Browns can get a quarterback and running back (or alternatively a safety like Fitzpatrick) they will be very happy.