Josh Allen's Draft Class

Vonbon Hill

2 min read

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26-11-2024

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The 2018 NFL Draft is remembered by many for a single, defining moment: the Buffalo Bills selecting Josh Allen with the seventh overall pick. While Allen's career trajectory has undeniably captivated the league, it's worth revisiting his draft class to see how other players fared and understand the context of Allen's selection. This wasn't just about one quarterback; it was a deep class of talent at various positions.

A Quarterback Carousel

Allen wasn't the only quarterback taken high in 2018. The class boasted several signal-callers who experienced varied levels of success:

• Baker Mayfield (Cleveland Browns, 1st overall): The first overall pick, Mayfield had an initial burst of success, but his career in Cleveland ultimately ended without a Super Bowl appearance. He's currently playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
• Sam Darnold (New York Jets, 3rd overall): Darnold's NFL career has been marked by inconsistency. After a stint with the Carolina Panthers, he found a new home with the San Francisco 49ers.
• Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens, 1st round, 32nd overall): The standout of the group, Jackson has established himself as a dynamic dual-threat quarterback and a league MVP. His success highlights the unpredictable nature of quarterback evaluations.

These four quarterbacks alone showcase the inherent risks and rewards of selecting a quarterback early in the draft.

Beyond the Quarterbacks

The 2018 draft was rich with talent beyond the quarterback position. Several players have cemented their status as elite players, demonstrating the depth of the class:

• Saquon Barkley (New York Giants, 2nd overall): A game-changing running back, Barkley's career has been hampered by injuries. However, he remains a prominent player when healthy.
• Denzel Ward (Cleveland Browns, 4th overall): One of the top cornerbacks in the league, Ward consistently provides shutdown coverage.
• Bradley Chubb (Denver Broncos, 5th overall): A disruptive edge rusher, Chubb has recorded significant sack totals throughout his career.
• Darius Leonard (Indianapolis Colts, 2nd round, 36th overall): Leonard quickly became a cornerstone of the Colts' defense, a testament to the value found later in the draft.

The Long View

Looking back at the 2018 NFL Draft, it's clear that predicting the future success of a player, especially at the quarterback position, remains an incredibly difficult task. Josh Allen's journey is a reminder of the potential for high-risk, high-reward selections to pan out in spectacular fashion, while the careers of other first-round quarterbacks highlight the inherent uncertainty. The class's success wasn't limited to the top picks; several later-round selections have become pivotal contributors, proving the importance of thorough scouting across all rounds.