Jaguars introduce first-round pick Josh Allen

First-round draft pick Josh Allen was introduced to the media by the Jacksonville Jaguars as their top pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Josh Allen told the media who were in attendance at the Jacksonville Jaguars press conference he was excited to play on this defense. The Kentucky Wildcats pass rusher who made an impact for the school over the past four seasons hopes to do the same thing in black and teal.

"“They get after the quarterback. That’s all I need to hear,” Allen said. “I went there on my visit and they said, ‘Josh, we get after the quarterback.’ That was all I had to hear. I don’t care about the defense … I love getting after the quarterback.”"

The Jaguars have two solid pass rushers in Calais Campbell and Yannick Ngakoue but lack depth. Should one of the two go down with any injury, the team would suffer greatly. Allen gives them options and a rotation that instantly becomes even better.

"“I just want to say thank you to Mr. Caldwell and Coach Marrone and Mr. Shad Khan. I want to say thank you to everybody in the organization for allowing me to be a part of this wonderful team.  I feel like I can fit in well,” Allen added.More from Jacksonville Jaguars NewsJacksonville Jaguars should welcome Derrick Henry into the kingdomJaguars Rumors: Trent Baalke seems to be getting respect nowJaguars News: This division rival might be making a big moveFormer Jacksonville Jaguars S Johnathan Cyprien: “New Profession, Same Standards”Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram officially gets the franchise tag: 3 takeaways“We have a great defense. I’m willing to do my part and be as dynamic a person as I can be. I just want to say thank you for giving me a chance. Everybody who took a chance on me became real happy at the end, and hopefully I can make this team — and make these coaches — really happy.”"

The Jaguars hope the impact Allen had in college translates to the NFL. Per the Jaguars, Allen was the fifth defensive linemen selected Thursday, and became the first Kentucky player selected by the Jaguars in Round 1.

As a senior, Allen was a consensus All-America selection in 2018. He won the Bednarik and Nagurski awards in 2018. He was a consensus first-team All-Southeastern Conference and the SEC Defensive Player of the Year. He had 17 sacks this past season. He brings more energy off the edge.

Tom Coughlin, the team’s vice-president of football operations, said the production in college was one thing that impressed the organization. In most discussions, the team did not think Allen would be available when they picked at No. 7.

"“We expect him to be able to be on the edge, no matter who you line up with. Your 3-4 teams, when it goes to the nickel situation or the passing downs, very rarely is that configuration maintained, and it becomes a little bit more evenly balanced,” Coughlin told the media Thursday night. “He fits in as a pass rusher and also can play defensive end or outside backer.”"