Washington Redskins: 5 Early bold predictions for the 2017 season

3. Rookie Jonathan Allen will be the leading tackler

Even though he was the 17th pick in the 2017 Draft, Jonathan Allen was still the best defensive lineman in the country. The Redskins were right to bring him on board. Allen finished his time at Alabama with 69 total tackles (33 solo, 36 assisted) and 10 sacks. If he can play at that level, if not higher, then he’ll be a conversation piece this season.

Keep in mind, Allen is part of the Redskins defensive plan on the field. According to Redskins.com’s Alyssa Haduck, Gruden is glad to have him on the team and a part of their new defensive plan:

"“We like his size, like his strength, like his ability to rush the passer, play the run. He’s a very versatile guy. He can play all over. Really, never in a million years did we think he’d be there at 17, but we’re happy as heck that he was."

Having some fresh legs on the defensive line will be welcomed. Coming in with his college stats, there’s a lot more to prove, and a lot of money to justify the Redskins paying him. Allen will continue his defensive dominance when he suits up this season.

Let’s be clear: The Redskins defense got a bad rap last season, but they’re not a bad bunch. They just lacked the killer instinct. If all the new faces can do their part effectively, it’s going to be a different ball game this season.