Who Passed On Josh Allen? Revisiting The 2018 NFL Draft's Big Decisions
Have you ever wondered about those pivotal moments in sports, the ones that truly change the course of a team's fortunes? Well, when it comes to the National Football League, few stories capture that feeling quite like the 2018 NFL Draft and the selections made before the Buffalo Bills picked their future star. It's a tale that, in a way, still gets talked about quite a bit, especially when Josh Allen is out there making incredible plays.
That particular draft class, you see, was absolutely brimming with quarterback talent, so many young signal-callers hoping to make a mark. Teams had some really tough choices to make, deciding who would lead their squads for years to come. It’s almost like a high-stakes poker game, with careers and franchises hanging in the balance, so.
Today, we're going to take a little stroll back to that exciting time. We'll look at the teams that, in hindsight, let a generational talent like Josh Allen slip through their fingers. We’ll also explore some of the reasons why these clubs made the choices they did, and perhaps, what those decisions mean for them now. It’s a fascinating look at how scouting and strategy play out, isn’t it?
Table of Contents
- Josh Allen: A Brief Look at His Journey
- The 2018 NFL Draft: A Quarterback Class to Remember
- The Teams That Passed: A Closer Look at the Picks Before Allen
- Why Did Teams Make These Choices?
- The Aftermath: How It All Played Out
- The Bills' Bold Move: Securing Their Franchise Quarterback
Josh Allen: A Brief Look at His Journey
Before we get into who missed out, it’s a good idea to remember just who Josh Allen is and how he came to be such a big name in the league. He grew up in Firebaugh, California, a rather small farming community. His path to the NFL was, you know, not exactly the typical five-star recruit story. He actually played at Reedley College, a junior college, before getting a chance at the University of Wyoming. This background, in some respects, really makes his rise even more compelling, doesn't it?
At Wyoming, he showcased a lot of raw talent, a very strong arm, and a knack for making big plays, though his accuracy was, shall we say, a bit of a question mark for some scouts. He was a bit of a project, a player with a lot of upside but also some areas that needed considerable polishing. This is why, arguably, some teams felt a little hesitant, you know?
Personal Details & Bio Data
| Full Name | Joshua Patrick Allen |
| Born | May 21, 1996 |
| Hometown | Firebaugh, California |
| College | University of Wyoming |
| NFL Draft | 2018, Round 1, Pick #7 |
| Team | Buffalo Bills |
| Position | Quarterback |
The 2018 NFL Draft: A Quarterback Class to Remember
The 2018 NFL Draft was, honestly, one for the history books, especially for quarterbacks. Everyone knew there were several promising young men who could potentially become franchise cornerstones. The buzz leading up to that day was just electric, with so much speculation about who would go where. It felt like every team picking high was thinking about a new quarterback, or at least that was the general vibe.
Teams were, basically, trying to figure out which of these young arms had the right stuff to lead them to glory. There was a lot of talk, a lot of analysis, and a whole lot of hope tied to these picks. It’s pretty wild to look back now and see how things actually played out, isn't it?
The Top Quarterbacks of 2018
Going into the draft, there were a few names that consistently popped up at the top of everyone's lists. Baker Mayfield from Oklahoma, Sam Darnold from USC, Josh Rosen from UCLA, and Lamar Jackson from Louisville were all highly regarded. And then, of course, there was Josh Allen, who, like, had his own unique set of skills and, you know, some things that made scouts scratch their heads a little.
Each of these players had their champions and their critics. Mayfield was seen as a fiery leader with good accuracy, while Darnold was viewed as a classic pocket passer with a lot of potential. Rosen was often called the most "pro-ready" of the bunch, and Jackson was a truly dynamic runner who, some thought, might be better suited for a different position. Allen, meanwhile, was the big arm, big athlete, but with those accuracy questions, so.
The Teams That Passed: A Closer Look at the Picks Before Allen
The Buffalo Bills were sitting at the seventh overall pick, and they had traded up to get there, showing they really wanted to secure their guy. But before they could make their selection, six other teams had the chance to pick. These are the teams that, in a way, made different choices, or simply had other needs they felt were more pressing at the time. It’s pretty interesting to see what they decided to do, actually.
Cleveland Browns (Pick #1)
The Cleveland Browns, holding the coveted first overall pick, had been searching for a franchise quarterback for, like, what felt like forever. They had a lot of options available to them, and they ultimately decided to go with Baker Mayfield. He was a Heisman Trophy winner and a very exciting player from Oklahoma, known for his confidence and ability to make plays. It was a big moment for them, definitely, picking the first player in the whole draft.
New York Giants (Pick #2)
The New York Giants were next up, at the second overall spot. They had Eli Manning as their starting quarterback, so a lot of people thought they might look to a different position. And that’s exactly what they did, selecting Saquon Barkley, a truly dynamic running back from Penn State. Barkley was, you know, considered by many to be the best player in the entire draft, regardless of position. So, they picked a truly special talent, that's for sure.
New York Jets (Pick #3)
The New York Jets, picking third, were also in a big need for a quarterback. They, too, had traded up to get into this prime position. With their pick, they selected Sam Darnold from USC. Darnold was seen as a very polished quarterback prospect, someone who could step in and lead an NFL offense pretty quickly. It felt like a very safe and smart pick at the time, honestly.
Denver Broncos (Pick #5)
The Denver Broncos, at the fifth overall pick, were another team that many thought might take a quarterback. They had some uncertainty at the position after Peyton Manning retired. However, they chose to bolster their defense, picking Bradley Chubb, a very talented pass rusher from NC State. Chubb was, like, a really disruptive force in college, and they clearly felt he was the right player to help their team, anyway.
Indianapolis Colts (Pick #6)
Just before the Bills, the Indianapolis Colts were on the clock at pick number six. They had Andrew Luck, who was, you know, considered one of the best young quarterbacks in the league at the time, though he was dealing with some injury concerns. The Colts opted to take Quenton Nelson, an incredibly dominant offensive guard from Notre Dame. Nelson was seen as a generational talent at his position, someone who could immediately improve their offensive line. It was a very smart pick for them, given their situation, you know.
Why Did Teams Make These Choices?
So, why did these teams pass on Josh Allen? It’s a question that, frankly, gets asked a lot now. The simple answer is that draft evaluation is incredibly difficult, and teams have different philosophies and different needs. What looks like an obvious choice now was anything but obvious back then, apparently.
Every team’s scouting department, like, has its own way of looking at players. Some prioritize accuracy above all else, others might really value athleticism or leadership. It’s a complex puzzle, and sometimes, you know, the pieces just don't fit the way you expect them to. It's truly a high-stakes guessing game, in a way.
Pre-Draft Concerns About Josh Allen
Josh Allen, as we mentioned, came with some significant question marks. His completion percentage at Wyoming was a bit low, which made some scouts worry about his accuracy at the professional level. There were also concerns about his decision-making at times, throwing into tight windows or taking unnecessary risks. These were, like, very real things that teams had to consider, so.
Despite his undeniable arm strength and impressive athleticism, some evaluators saw him as a "raw" prospect who would need a lot of time and coaching to develop. They weren't sure if he could quickly adjust to the speed and precision required in the NFL. This meant, basically, that he wasn't a "plug-and-play" guy for many, which is a bit of a risk for a high draft pick.
The Appeal of Other Prospects
On the other hand, the quarterbacks picked before or around Allen had different appeals. Baker Mayfield was seen as a winner, a Heisman Trophy winner with a track record of success. Sam Darnold was considered more "pro-ready" with good mechanics. Josh Rosen was often praised for his intelligence and refined passing skills. These players, you know, offered a more immediate return, or at least that was the perception at the time.
Teams also had other pressing needs. The Giants needed a star offensive weapon, and Barkley fit that bill perfectly. The Broncos wanted to improve their pass rush. The Colts needed to protect their valuable quarterback. So, it wasn't always about picking a *worse* quarterback; sometimes, it was about picking the *best* player for their immediate team needs, or the player who fit their specific system better, naturally.
The Aftermath: How It All Played Out
Looking back, the 2018 draft class for quarterbacks has been, honestly, a wild ride. Baker Mayfield had a very strong rookie season but then struggled with consistency and injuries later on. Sam Darnold's career with the Jets didn't quite pan out as hoped, and he later moved to other teams. Josh Rosen, unfortunately, struggled to find a foothold in the league and has bounced around several rosters. Lamar Jackson, picked much later in the first round, has, you know, become an MVP and one of the most exciting players in football, which is really something.
Josh Allen, meanwhile, had a bit of a slow start, but he steadily improved each season. He worked incredibly hard on his mechanics and accuracy, transforming himself into one of the league's truly elite quarterbacks. His ability to run, throw, and lead has made the Bills a consistent contender. It’s a pretty amazing transformation, actually, and a testament to his dedication and the Bills' patience. It just goes to show, you know, how much development can happen after the draft.
The Bills' Bold Move: Securing Their Franchise Quarterback
The Buffalo Bills, for their part, showed a lot of conviction in Josh Allen. They saw the raw talent, the incredible arm, and the athleticism, and they believed they could develop him into a top-tier quarterback. They traded up to the seventh pick specifically to get him, which was, like, a very clear statement of their belief. This decision, in a way, really changed the entire trajectory of their franchise, so.
Their patience and commitment to his development have paid off immensely. Allen has become the face of the Bills, leading them to multiple playoff appearances and bringing a level of excitement to Buffalo that hadn't been seen in years. It’s a story that, you know, highlights the importance of not just drafting talent, but also having the right coaching and support system in place to help that talent truly blossom. Learn more about Buffalo Bills on our site, and link to this page here for a full recap of the 2018 draft.
People Also Ask
Q: Which quarterbacks were drafted before Josh Allen in 2018?
A: Two quarterbacks were selected before Josh Allen in the 2018 NFL Draft. Baker Mayfield was picked first overall by the Cleveland Browns, and Sam Darnold was chosen third overall by the New York Jets. Josh Allen was then taken seventh overall by the Buffalo Bills, so.
Q: Why was Josh Allen considered a "project" coming out of college?
A: Josh Allen was often labeled a "project" because, like, he had incredible physical tools – a very strong arm and great athleticism – but his accuracy and decision-making were, you know, a bit inconsistent during his college career at Wyoming. Scouts felt he needed considerable refinement to succeed in the NFL, which is pretty common for players with his kind of raw talent, anyway.
Q: How has Josh Allen's career compared to other quarterbacks from the 2018 draft class?
A: Josh Allen has, basically, had one of the most successful careers among the 2018 quarterback class. While Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, who were picked before him, have had more up-and-down careers, Allen has developed into an elite NFL quarterback, known for his dual-threat ability and leadership. Lamar Jackson, picked later in the first round, has also had a truly standout career, becoming an MVP. It's really interesting how different their paths have been, isn't it?
For more insights into NFL draft history and player development, you might find this article on Pro-Football-Reference.com quite interesting, you know.
Why six teams passed on Josh Allen in the 2018 NFL Draft, gifting Bills a star QB | Sporting News
The Ex of Josh Allen Speaks Out about Controversial ‘Brain Dead Athlete’ Remark – Internewscast
Photo Shows Emotional Reaction of Josh Allen's Parents After MVP News - Athlon Sports
