Brandon Allen has a chance to develop into a legitimate backup quarterback

The Jacksonville Jaguars focused on defense in the draft, but the one offensive player they took could become a long term solution at backup QB.

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The Jacksonville Jaguars are completely set on offense according to their draft class. Focusing completely on the defense, the lone draft selection on offense was 6th round pick

Brandon Allen, quarterback from Arkansas

The Jaguars have their franchise quarterback in Blake Bortles, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a need at the position. Backup quarterback has become one of the most important positions in all of football, as having one can make or break your season. The Dallas Cowboys 2015 regular season went up in flames when Tony Romo suffered an injury, and the Cowboys had to trot out a discouraging combination of Matt Cassel, Brandon Weeden, and Kellen Moore while watching their playoff hopes dwindle away every week.

Chad Henne isn’t terrible, but he isn’t good. If the Jaguars have to turn to him at some point then their season is likely over. This is likely the reason behind taking Brandon Allen, a prospect Pro Football Focus thinks was the top “sleeper” quarterback in the entire draft.

"Allen doesn’t look much like the typical NFL QB, but he was highly productive as the Razorbacks’ signal caller in 2015. The combination of short stature and small hands undoubtedly deters evaluators before they turn on the film, but simply ignoring the tape would be negligent. Allen graded as our sixth-overall draft-eligible quarterback in 2015 in terms of pure passing. He’s particularly effective throwing in the deep and intermediate range in the middle of the field. Digs, posts and crossing routes were executed with good location, enabling yards after the catch consistently. Designed bootlegs also play to Allen’s strengths. He lacks the arm to drive sideline passes from the pocket, but throws with good touch outside the numbers on the move. Pressure from the interior also isn’t debilitating, some of Adams’ most impressive throws came with defenders in his face. Overall he threw eight touchdowns against the rush in 2015 and recorded a positive grade. In addition, the ability to slide in the pocket to find open passing lanes stands out. Combined with a quick release, Allen took sacks on only 11 percent of dropbacks, good for sixth-best in the class. Despite his physical limitations, Allen would provide excellent value on Day 3."

Hopefully Allen isn’t thrown into action at some point in 2016, but the Jaguars are trying to think ahead and make sure they don’t get caught in a tough situation if Bortles go down.

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