2018 NFL Draft: Why Kentucky’s Josh Allen should be a first-round pick
The upcoming 2018 NFL Draft will feature two players named Josh Allen. The less-renowned one plays linebacker and should also be a first-round pick.
There’s a great chance that fans will hear “Josh Allen” called twice in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Wyoming quarterback and NFL prototype Josh Allen will likely hear his name called first. Behind him, on the other side of the ball is a skilled pass rusher with the same name from the Kentucky Wildcats should also hear his name called on the first day of the 2018 NFL Draft.
The 6-3, 250-pound linebacker was a standout at Kentucky over the past two seasons. Whether he played inside or outside, Allen showed how dominating he could be. Over the past two seasons he’s totaled 128 tackles, 14 sacks and 19 tackles for loss. As a prospect, Allen has a lot to like about him and it begins and ends with his versatility.
When used as a rusher, Allen displays a really great first step that allows him to beat offensive tackles off the ball. He’s shown fantastic bend-ability when getting around the edge and underneath tackles in route to the quarterback. Though he doesn’t use his hands particularly well, he does use an inside counter spin to get off tackles. There’s a lack of initial power but he has shown the ability to perform an effective bull-rush.
As an inside linebacker, he’s shown the willingness to take on blockers. With the right coaching, his length and tenacity would allow him to be a dangerous threat against a run. Although he can get engulfed at times, he has shown the ability to scrape down the line and make plays through trash.
When asked to drop in zone coverage he’s a little stiff, but he does move well and looks comfortable.
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As a tackler he is to be feared. When he comes down hill he comes with power. In 2016 he had four forced fumbles, and although he hasn’t had the same impact, he’s shown ferocity when he strikes. There were times he missed a few tackles, like against Georgia when facing Nick Chubb. Still, once he gets his hands on a ball carrier it’s usually for a stop.
Allen may not be the freaky athlete that Leonard Floyd was and he’s definitely not Khalil Mack, but he does offer major upside and scheme versatility. He could fit in most defenses as an inside linebacker or outside linebacker in a 4-3 or 3-4. In some ways he’s a lot like Alec Olgetree because he doesn’t posses elite pass rush skills and he’s athletic enough to cover and play well against the run, so he’d work well as an outside backer in a 4-3.
Another comparison is Texans linebacker Brian Cushing. Though he doesn’t have the college resume as the former USC star, he does share a similar skill set and could play inside in a 3-4 defense. Teams in the bottom of the half of the draft could afford to use a player like Allen.
Washington Redskins
They hold the 13th pick and they can use an upgrade over Will Compton inside. Pairing Allen next to Zach Brown would be a wise move. It will allow Brown the freedom to continue to use his athletic prowess as the free linebacker while Allen plays the take-on role in Greg Manusky’s defense.
Los Angeles Chargers
With the 17th pick, the Chargers could stand to use a linebacker who has range. Kyle Emmanuel performed admirably, but the Chargers needs an athletic presence outside to pair with Perryman and Pullard. For Pullard it would allow him to play more freely without the pressures of taking on blockers. Plus he’d provide Gus Bradley with a toy in the front seven that can get after the quarterback.
Pittsburgh Steelers
With Ryan Shazier’s career in question, the Steelers showed they can use a lot of help. Allen would give them an instant boost, and he’s a perfect fit for a team that could use a guy that can do multiple things. Allen’s ability to come off the edge makes him an intriguing prospect as a blitzer from the inside. His length, tenacity, and athleticism is something the Steelers need at linebacker.
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No matter where Josh Allen is drafted, he has the ability to fit into any scheme. If put into the right system, there’s no doubt that Allen would have an immediate impact. The question just remains to what team and where would he go?