Jaguars DE Josh Allen ranked as top DROY candidate in the AFC South
By David Levin
Fansided’s Michael Johnson has ranked Jaguars defensive end Josh Allen as the AFC South’s top candidate to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year in the NFL.
We don’t know if Josh Allen is going to start yet for the Jacksonville Jaguars, but that does not mean he cannot be a disruptive force in the team’s pass rush this season.
In reading the latest story from Michael Johnson of FanSided.com, he has ranked the rookie edge rusher as the AFC South’s best bet to win Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. It would not shock me if that were the case, but it would mean a few variables would have to fall into place to make that happen.
"“Every rookie selected in the 2019 NFL Draft has an opportunity to make a name for themselves at the professional level,” Johnson wrote. “Whether it’s in minicamps, training camp or the preseason, the chances are there. Of course, not all situations are created equal. Some players weren’t drafted to a team ideally suited for their skill set, while some others were. At the same time, others fight and carve a role out for themselves regardless of their situation.”"
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Allen has a chance to become a major player in the Jaguars defensive scheme this coming season. As we heard from defensive coordinator Todd Wash during OTAs last month. Allen, who was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year at Kentucky in 2018, will remain as a defensive end. There is no plan to move him outside at linebacker, a position he did play last season. Allen did drop back in coverage often for the Wildcats.
"“To say the Jacksonville Jaguars stole Josh Allen is an understatement. Most mock drafts had him going inside the top five, but he didn’t — and the Jags ended up with an edge rusher with elite traits. The 6-5, 262-pound edge rusher from Kentucky dominated college football. Then he went on to dominate the draft conversation with an excellent combine showing,” Johnson explains."
The thought of Allen coming off the edge with either Yannick Ngakoue of Calais Campbell on the other side is a scary thought for opposing quarterbacks. His presence and speed also will allow Wash to game plan unlike last season when the two veterans were essentially all the team had on the outside. With Campbell getting older and Ngakoue’s contract still a sticky situation, adding a premier rush end was a gift for this franchise.
It could also mean Campbell moves inside more this season. Playing in a division with mobile quarterbacks in Marcus Mariota and Deshaun Watson, having more speed on the outside is a very good thing.
"“Allen isn’t penciled in as the starter yet, but it doesn’t mean he can’t wreak havoc on the quarterback. Walsh can use Allen on passing downs early on to get after opposing passers….,” Johnson added.“All Allen has to worry about this season is getting after the quarterback. If he does, he could hear see his stamped in the history books.”"