Allen relishes role as a top pick in NFL draft
Strong-armed quarterback faces plenty of competition
FRISCO, TEXAS — Josh Allen wants the pressure of being the top overall pick in the National Footb all League draft.
He would relish it and is hopeful the Cleveland Browns view him as the top quarterback in this year’s class.
“I would love to have that pressure on my shoulders because I’ve always thrived in those situations,” Allen said. “I feel like Cleveland would be a great spot to be. But, if I’m not, I’m not, and I’m going to do whatever I can to the team that actually picks me and actually wants me so we’ll go from there.”
The Browns are expected to use the No. 1 pick on a quarterback when the draft gets underway Thursday at AT&T Stadium. There have been rumblings that Allen could be their top target, although there’s plenty of competition.
Some believe USC’s Sam Darnold would be the safest pick, while others feel the Browns should roll the dice on Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield.
But Allen is certainly in the conversation and had pre-draft visits with seven teams, including Cleveland, New York Giants, New York Jets and Buffalo.
The Wyoming quarterback has arguably the best arm in the class, but his accuracy has been questioned.
Allen completed just 56.3 per cent of his passes last season, throwing for 1,812 yards with 16 TDs and six interceptions.
Still, his impressive arm strength could make him the top overall pick. As far as the critics are concerned, Allen has done his best at blocking them out.
“It doesn’t bother me one way or another. Everybody’s got their own opinion and their own say,” Allen said. “In today’s age, everybody wants to be right. So there’s people that hate you, there’s people that love you.
“I’m going to go out there and play my game, and whatever team is fortunate to pick me, or I’m fortunate to be picked by, is going to be a team I’m going to give everything to.
“Hopefully I’ll be there for the next 15 years,” Allen said.
“It’s an exciting time, but at this moment right now I’m content with whatever happens. My job is done and now it’s just sitting back and hearing my name being called.”
Allen is ready for his draft day moment. He’ll be joined alongside several family members and his college coaches Thursday night.
“It’s going to be a good day for the Allen family and I think the city of Firebaugh and the whole Central Valley and the state of Wyoming,” Allen said.
“There’re a lot of people behind me and I’m extremely blessed to have the support that I do.”