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          NFL Nation

          In Todd McShay's latest mock, Jets take boom-or-bust risk -- Josh Allen

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          McShay projecting QB-laden first round (0:47)

          Todd McShay is projecting four quarterbacks to be selected in the top six picks of the NFL draft. (0:47)

          • Rich Cimini, ESPN Staff WriterFeb 6, 2018, 05:00 PM
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              Rich Cimini is a staff writer who covers the New York Jets and the NFL at ESPN. Rich has covered the Jets for over 30 years, joining ESPN in 2010. Rich also hosts the Flight Deck podcast. He previously was a beat writer for the New York Daily News and is a graduate of Syracuse University. You can follow him via Twitter @RichCimini.
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          Todd McShay's second mock draftInsider delivers one of the most polarizing players to the New York Jets -- Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen.

          I can almost hear the boos now.

          A segment of the draft-loving population -- yes, including some talent evaluators -- believe Allen is overrated because he was a 56-percent career passer in college. That certainly is a concern, but that doesn't mean he'll be the next Christian Hackenberg, as some people on Twitter seem to believe.

          Though Allen is considered a boom-or-bust pick, his upside is much greater than that of Hackenberg. Allen has rare arm strength and terrific athleticism for a 6-foot-5 player. He played a strong game in the Senior Bowl, providing a glimpse of his potential. Problem is, he's inconsistent and raw, and needs to be in a situation where he'll get good coaching. It's up to general manager Mike Maccagnan and his scouts to determine how Allen's intriguing traits project in the NFL.

          Yes, I do believe the Jets would strongly consider Allen with the sixth pick, depending on how things shake out with Kirk Cousins. If they land Cousins, there would be no need to take a quarterback in the first round.

          In McShay's mock, three quarterbacks are taken in the first five picks -- Sam Darnold (Cleveland Browns), Josh Rosen (New York Giants) and Baker Mayfield (Denver Broncos). Running back Saquon Barkley (Browns) and defensive end Bradley Chubb (Indianapolis Colts) also are off the board.

          So, in all likelihood, that leaves the next-best quarterback or a potential shutdown cornerback (Minkah Fitzpatrick) for the Jets. In this scenario, Allen would be the right choice.