There is no more polarizing quarterback prospect in this year’s draft than Wyoming’s Josh Allen. The buzz is getting louder that the Browns will select Allen with the first overall pick; the more analytically inclined observers think that would be a disaster. In some minds, Allen doesn’t even project as a first round pick.
Allen has a significant amount of bust potential but traditional quarterback size and one of the greatest arms you’ll ever see. That has naturally led to some comparisons to two of the biggest draft busts in recent memory: Ryan Leaf and JaMarcus Russell.
But a comparison to Leaf, Russell, and don’t make much sense. That’s because those guys were stars in college. Here is what Leaf did in his final season: he was extremely efficient despite easily leading the Pac-10 in passing attempts. He averaged 9.7 yards per pass and lapped the Pac-10 in passing yards and touchdowns, ranking second in efficiency only to another future first round pick:
And Russell? Well, he led the SEC in Y/A and AY/A and also completion percentage in his final season. He had fantastic rate stats and gross stats playing in the toughest conference in football, on top of being an incredible physical specimen.
