Kyle Shanahan wanted to draft Bills QB Josh Allen?
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Josh Allen? That reality wasn’t far off. In a video conference with reporters on Thursday, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan made some interesting comments about the Buffalo Bills’ 24-year-old quarterback.
When asked about his familiarity with Allen from the draft process, Shanahan said he wished the Wyoming product was available in the 2017 draft before the 49ers acquired QB Jimmy Garoppolo.
“It was him with a number of other guys, guys I was hoping were going to come out earlier, but they didn’t and so we looked at guys more that year and next year we had Jimmy,” Shanahan said.
This suggests the 49ers head coach was intrigued by Allen heading into the 2017 NFL Draft process. San Francisco would trade out of the second overall pick in the draft, select Solomon Thomas, and pass on quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Patrick Mahomes.
Allen returned to Wyoming for his senior season and would be drafted by the Bills with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2018 draft. He has been inconsistent over his three NFL seasons but has made significant strides in 2020.
This year, Allen has completed 68.8% of his passes for 3,028 yards, 22 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He has also rushed for 311 yards on 81 carries and six rushing touchdowns.
With the 49ers continued struggles this season, Shanahan could be back considering quarterback prospects at the top of the 2021 draft. Of course, Garoppolo is still under contract next season and could remain the primary signal-caller and Shanahan could be back to answering questions about missed prospects in 2023.
