Josh Allen Jaguars College

Waren Burn

2 min read

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26-11-2024

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Josh Allen's journey to becoming one of the NFL's elite quarterbacks is a compelling narrative of perseverance and exceptional talent. While his name is now synonymous with the Buffalo Bills, his college career, and particularly his near-miss with the Jacksonville Jaguars, offers a fascinating glimpse into his path to superstardom.

The 2017 NFL Draft: A Near-Miss for Jacksonville

The 2017 NFL Draft was a pivotal moment in Allen's career. Many analysts projected him as a first-round pick, but his inconsistent college performance raised questions about his readiness for the NFL. The Jaguars, possessing a strong roster and already boasting a capable quarterback in Blake Bortles, ultimately decided against drafting him. Their focus was on addressing other immediate needs within the team, a strategic decision that would later spark debate amongst fans and analysts alike. This decision, while strategic at the time, would later become a significant "what if" scenario in NFL draft history.

Jacksonville's Draft Strategy and the Bortles Factor

The Jaguars' draft strategy in 2017 centered on bolstering their already impressive defense. With a formidable defensive unit already in place, the team felt secure in their quarterback situation with Bortles, despite his inconsistent performances. This conservative approach, while understandable, ultimately missed the potential of a player who would prove to be a game-changer in the league.

Allen's Development at Wyoming

While the Jaguars opted for a different route, Allen continued to hone his skills at Wyoming. He displayed remarkable growth in his final college season, significantly improving his accuracy and decision-making. These improvements would later become pivotal in his success with the Bills. This period highlighted the fact that the NFL is a complex landscape, where potential isn't always easily translated into immediate success.

The Bills' Gamble Pays Off

The Buffalo Bills, however, saw the potential in Allen's raw talent. They selected him with the seventh overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, a decision that has paid massive dividends. Allen's development under the Bills' coaching staff has been nothing short of remarkable. He transformed from a project quarterback into one of the league's most dynamic and electrifying players, consistently leading his team to playoff contention.

A Tale of Two Decisions

The story of Josh Allen and the Jacksonville Jaguars serves as a potent reminder of the inherent uncertainties in the NFL Draft. While the Jaguars' decision was logical at the time based on their team needs, it underscores the inherent risks and rewards of drafting quarterbacks, particularly those with high upside but evident areas needing refinement. Allen's career trajectory highlights the crucial role development plays in unlocking a player's full potential, and the value of taking a calculated risk on raw talent. Ultimately, it became a defining moment in the careers of both Allen and the Jaguars, proving that even missed opportunities can shape the future in unexpected and impactful ways.