5 Best Jacksonville Jaguars rookie seasons of the 2010s

No. 2 Jaguars best rookie season of the 2010s: Josh Allen, 2019

Josh Allen was seemingly gifted to the Jags as he slid down to them at the seventh overall selection. The edge rusher enjoyed a phenomenal final year at Kentucky, gaining 21.5 tackles for a loss, four passes defensed, five forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one block and 17 sacks. He was a highly regarded prospect coming out of college that many thought would go earlier than he did in the draft.

The Jags were ecstatic to select the young defensive end/outside linebacker and add him to an already accomplished defensive line. Allen’s addition to the defense helped continue the team’s defensive identity and really made the defensive line a force to be reckoned with.

Allen’s first year with Jaguars has so far been the best of his young career. Like Ngakoue, he too benefited from playing in a stacked defense where he enjoyed the company of Calais Campbell and others on the defensive line and a stellar secondary unit that didn’t give up much in the passing game.

The young defensive end took advantage of his circumstances, gaining 10.5 sacks, 44 combined tackles, 31 solo, 11 tackles for a loss, 23 quarterback hits, and a 68.4 Pro Football Focus overall grade. He ended up leading all rookies in sacks that year and his production also earned him a trip to the Pro Bowl in his rookie campaign. He was the first Jags rookie to ever accomplish that feat.

Allen displayed his strength and athleticism on a consistent basis in 2019. The success he had during his rookie season demonstrated that he can be a much contributor to this defense and franchise player for years to come.