NFL Notes: Josh Allen, Cowboys, Packers, Patriots

Josh Allen

An AFC director of college scouting tells Lance Zierlein of NFL.com that while Wyoming QB Josh Allen scares him, he’s also the “most physically talented quarterback” in next year’s draft class.

“He scares me like he scares everyone, but he is easily the most physically talented quarterback (in this class),” the scouting director said. “He will get drafted much higher than the level of his tape.”

Zierlein mentions that Allen’s accuracy and decision making have been areas of concern, but he still thinks Allen has very similar physical traits and ability to Carson Wentz coming out of North Dakota State.

Cowboys

• Jane Slater reports that the Cowboys will start Alfred Morris at running back in Week 9’s game.
• According to Slater, the Cowboys plan to have Rod Smith as their No. 2 back with Darren McFadden handling the No. 3 duties.
• Slater adds that all three running backs are still expected to get carries this weekend.

Packers

Packers HC Mike McCarthy was asked about the report that Green Bay had shown interest in QB Brian Hoyer before he signed on with the Patriots.

“From my perspective, from the time of the Minnesota game, the Monday after the Minnesota game to here today, I attempted particularly here [in a press conference], which really, frankly, I know you think I’m talking to you guys, I’m really talking to our football team and our fans, the direction that we’re going with the quarterbacks is Brett Hundley and the guys that we have here,” McCarthy said, via ESPN.com. “So that was really clearly the vision from the time we had to address it there in Minnesota.”

McCarthy did, however, acknowledged that the personnel department likely explored their available options ahead of the trade deadline.

“I’m not naïve to the fact that player personnel people talk around the league,” McCarthy said. “Was there a conversation on other free agents, particularly leading up to the deadline of trading? Yeah, that’s those guys doing their jobs. But as far as pursuing any player, I personally was not involved in any conversations, especially on a veteran quarterback.”

Patriots

• Albert Breer expects the Patriots to “strongly consider” drafting a quarterback in 2018 now that they’ve traded away backup quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett this year.
• Mike Reiss mentions that the fifth day of the 2019 league year will likely determine whether Brian Hoyer finishes out his three-year contract with the Patriots, considering that there will be a $200,000 roster bonus due on this date.