Would the Jaguars move Josh Allen to OLB?

Would the Jacksonville Jaguars consider moving rookie edge rusher Josh Allen to outside linebacker for the upcoming season?

The player most affected by the recent news of Jaguars linebacker Telvin Smith taking this coming season off could be rookie first-round pick, Josh Allen. The former Kentucky star was drafted as an edge rusher and was supposed to fit into a rotation that featured himself along with Calais Campbell and Yannick Ngakoue.

The sudden decision by Smith to take the year off to concentrate on his health and his family will have the Jaguars scurrying to find a replacement player. No one on the roster can replace the 100-plus tackles Smith produced last season right now. Myles Jack should fill the other outside linebacker role with Jake Ryan sliding into the middle. It’s may not be ideal for what defensive coordinator Todd Wash had planned for his rookie, but it could work out better than expected.

But head coach Doug Marrone isn’t committing to the idea. In fact, he doesn’t see it happening right now.

Allen played on the line and as a stand-up linebacker for the Wildcats.

"“He looks in great shape,” Marrone said following the team’s first day of rookie minicamp. “Right now, today when we walked out there … he was impressive. It’s impressive, his movement and skills for a big man.”"

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Because of the events of the past 24 hours, it was a question that needed to be asked – would the coaching staff consider moving Allen to the second line of defense?

"“You look at Josh, and you’re looking at a 6-feet-4½, 265-pound athlete,” Marrone said. “There are a lot of things we can do. We just got him here. Obviously, he’ll [be capable of] play[ing] both [hands] up [linebacker], play down [end].“We’ll see how he best fits our team as we go through and not try to put too much on his plate and try to see what he can do great. …. We’ll see how it goes, but to answer your question, ‘No.’’’"

When asked about a possible change, Allen, who was out on the practice fields adjacent to TIAA Bank Field with 61 other players, said he would do whatever was asked of him.

"“If they brought me here to play multiple positions … that’s what they’ll use me as. If they want me just to rush the passer, I’ll rush the passer. I’ll just do my job, do what they tell me to do and try to be great at that.”"

As a side, I am not sure that conversation is off the table. The Jaguars are still sifting through scenarios to decide how to move on without Smith on the outside. If Allen can pick up assignments quickly and can get after the quarterback while standing up, this could become more of an opportunity.

For now, look for No. 41 to continue to play strictly on the defensive line. He has the size and speed to make the switch. As he said when asked today, he is a “quick learner.”