CBS Sports puts Josh Allen at No. 1 in latest mock draft

After the Kentucky Wildcats defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions in the Citrus Bowl, Josh Allen famously said, “If I don’t go No. 1, I don’t know who is.”

Some laughed, others were intrigued, and Big Blue Nation was really fired up. And now some NFL Draft analysts are starting to agree with him.

When CBS Sports released their latest mock draft on Friday, writer Chris Trapasso predicted that Allen would be selected with the No. 1 overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals.

“Earlier this week, Cardinals GM Steve Keim confirmed his team will return to a 3-4 base defense,” Trapasso wrote. “That statement has fueled some speculation that Nick Bosa may not go No. 1 overall due to scheme fit. Let me tell you ... Bosa can thrive as an outside linebacker in a 3-4, but Allen does have much more experience standing up off the ball. If Allen erupts at the combine, this scenario will be on the table.

The highest that we have seen Allen before Friday was in Mel Kiper’s mock draft, which had Allen going to the San Francisco 49ers with the No. 2 pick. Several mock drafts have him going No. 3 to the New York Jets or No. 4 to the Oakland Raiders.

Allen had 17 sacks his senior year and leaves Kentucky as the single-season and career leader in that category. Many Kentucky fans will you that he is the best they have ever seen suite up in a Wildcat uniform.

Allen did everything he could to improve his stock during his senior season. Not only did he put up impressive sack numbers, but he always made the big plays when his team needed him. He also showed the versatility to drop back in pass coverage.

Allen definitely made a lot of money this year. The only questions will be how much, and when he will be drafted. Tune in at 9 p.m. on April 25th to watch Allen get his named called. You will not have to wait for very long.

Read here to see the first round of the CBS Sports mock draft.