Tag: NFL
PCI: Josh Allen will be the First Pick in the 2018 NFL Draft
by The Cowl Editor on April 26, 2018
PCI
By Sullivan Burgess ’20
Sports Staff
In this upcoming NFL Draft, the first pick selected by the Cleveland Browns will be University of Wyoming quarterback, Josh Allen.
In a draft class filled with amazing talent at all positions, some standouts are in the quarterback, class of this draft. Despite all their talents, the one who stands out among the rest is Allen. The 6’5”, 223-pound junior is being compared to Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz, and has the skills and character to potentially be one of the NFL’s most elite quarterbacks.
At the NFL combine, Allen ran a 4.75 second 40-yard dash, and showed a vertical jump of 33.5 inches. One of his most notable abilities is his arm strength. At his pro-day, it was clear his strength was off the charts. Despite some reports and instances of inaccuracies, Allen has taken the offseason to work with QB coach Jordan Palmer to improve his footwork and focus, allowing scouts to put those inaccuracy reports behind him and focus on what he could bring to a team.
His anticipation when throwing the ball is still a bit rusty. As training camp and preseason progress, however, he will soon find what he needs to do in-game during the NFL season.
Compared to University of Oklahoma quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield, who is another potential first pick by Cleveland, Allen has showed his ability to work harder and improve the weaker parts of his game. Mayfield’s off-field drama with the law shows he may not have the character to survive in this social media world, while Allen has shown that he does.
The Browns shocked the world this offseason with ground-breaking trades for players such as wide receiver Jarvis Landry, quarterback Tyrod Taylor, and cornerback Damarious Randall.
If they were to add Allen alongside this roster, the Browns would be doing themselves a favor, which could eventually allow them to win a game or reach playoffs. Taylor, the former starting quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, would have to compete for the starting position against Allen. It is likely that Allen will win the starting role due to his arm strength.
For a team that has been through so many losses the last few seasons, things will begin to turn around on April 26 when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces that the Browns will take University of Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen.
PCI: Sam Darnold will be the First Pick in the 2018 NFL Draft
by The Cowl Editor on April 26, 2018
PCI
By Sam Scanlon ’19
Sports Staff
Draft Day is just around the corner. In recent history the 2018 NFL Draft has one of the most highly anticipated drafts due to the skill and athleticism of most of the prospects, but also because it is focused heavily on quarterbacks. However, there is no clear answer as to who will be the first overall selection.
For the second consecutive season, the Cleveland Browns will be making the first overall selection. The Browns finished the 2017 season with a record of 0-16, following a 2016 campaign that landed them at 1-15.
With a plethora of good quarterbacks on the table, along with some exceptional athletes, the Browns have several options. When Roger Goodell takes the stage for the first time on Thursday night, he will be joined by University of Southern California Quarterback Sam Darnold as the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
It is hard to not select Saquon Barkley, who spent the last three seasons as the running back for Pennsylvania State University, shattering numerous school records in the process. However, based on the Browns’ immediate needs, Darnold makes more sense than Barkley. The Browns recently filled their running back void during the offseason by acquiring Carlos Hyde, so a franchise quarterback is now absolutely imperative for the Browns, and Darnold is their guy.
The Browns have had terrible luck trying to find their starting quarterback, as seven different players have started a game under center over the last three seasons. The Browns have to pick a quarterback. Darnold has proven to be the most NFL-ready quarterback as he possesses the necessary qualities that successful NFL quarterbacks have had historically. He is an extremely precise pocket passer who can also be very mobile and evade defenders with his excellent footwork. Darnold has all the intangibles that it takes to be a successful quarterback in the NFL and jumpstart the future of the Cleveland Browns.
In his two seasons as a starter for the USC Trojans, Darnold threw for 7,229 yards and 57 touchdown passes. His size, arm strength, and precision have shown to be exactly what the Cleveland Browns need as their former failed starting quarterbacks such as Johnny Manziel and DeShone Kizer have been smaller and more mobile.
Darnold checks nearly every box based on what it takes to be successful in the NFL and what the Browns should be looking for in a franchise quarterback, so it should be a no-brainer to select Sam Darnold for the first overall pick.