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Josh Allen is visiting the New York Giants on Wednesday as the team wraps up visits with all of the quarterbacks considered likely to be selected among the first few picks in the 2018 NFL Draft.
The Giants, of course, have the No. 2 overall pick in the draft. Would they use it on Allen, the rocket-armed but erratic Wyoming quarterback?
That really isn't a possibility that had been widely discussed. There is some chatter that the Cleveland Browns are considering Allen with the first overall pick. Whether you believe that or not is up to you.
The Giants? We hear the names Sam Darnold, Saquon Barkley and Bradley Chubb. We hear, and participate in, lots of trade down speculation.
Allen? We hear very little speculation about Allen to the Giants.
There is probably good reason for that. It's probably not going to happen.
And yet. And yet, there is a feeling I can't shake.
That feeling? The Giants are the perfect situation for Allen.
Most analysts believe Allen needs to land with a team that won't need him to play right away. The Giants have Eli Manning. Check.
Allen needs a place with a quality quarterbacks coach. Head coach Pat Shurmur is thought by some to be a quarterback whisperer. Even if that is unrealistic, Shurmur has had success with quarterbacks ranging from first-round picks to undrafted free agents. The Giants also have veteran offensive coordinator Mike Shula. Check that box, too.
The NFL Draft Report believes Allen is the top quarterback in this class.
"This projection is based on his pro football potential. Yes, there are still quite a few rough edges to worl out, and those compare him to Carson Wentz are missing the boat (Wentz is much more advanced), but he does have a Joe Flacco-like arm and the matt Ryan ability to change a game with his arm. All he needs ismpatient coaching."
We know Allen is a Shurmur fan. From earlier in the draft process:
"Coach Shurmur is a super bright mind, I like him a lot,” Allen said on Friday. “He’s a really good dude and if I was fortunate enough to play under him I’d be super stoked.”
"I think going back to the Senior Bowl we had a really good meeting,” Allen told Newsday on Saturday of their first encounter. “Hopefully I impressed him and I’m someone they’re considering. To get the chance to play under him would be such an honor because he’s a brilliant mind. He’s got things going in the right direction. New York is going to bounce back from this season they just had last year and I have no doubt in my mind that he’s going to be the mastermind behind it all. It’d be really cool to be a part of that.”
Coaches always believe thay can fix players with tools, and accuracy issues aside Allen has extraordinary quarterback tools. Size and arm strength unmatched by any quarterback in this draft class, along with excellent mobility.
There have been indications that Allen does have support from Giants offensive coaches. Enough support for the Giants make him the heir apparent to Manning.
It doesn't seem like things are headed in that direction. Still, something to think about.