Washington Redskins: 5 Players to watch in 2018 training camp
No. 4: Jonathan Allen
Everyone was surprised during the 2017 NFL Draft when Jonathan Allen fell to the Washington Redskins at No. 17. Allen’s shoulders were apparently an issue for some teams and that contributed to Washington’s fortune.
Well, Allen did not disappoint as a rookie. However, much like Nicholson, the Redskins need him on the field a lot more in 2018. It was a Lisfranc injury to Allen’s foot that cost him most of his rookie season. When he played, though, he was not only a force against the run but the pass, too.
Jonathan Allen showed big time potential before injury ruined his rookie season. He's one of the 10 players @PFF_Gordon wants to see more of in 2018.https://t.co/XrWfZA8DAA pic.twitter.com/TRkCoogIqR
— PFF (@PFF) July 8, 2018
With Allen in the lineup, Washington’s run defense was among the best in the league over the first six weeks of the season. After his injury, things went in the opposite directions as the Redskins were among the worst teams in the league at stopping the run.
That’s not a coincidence.
Teams struggled to run against the Redskins with Allen in the lineup early in the season. With a healthy Allen back, and the addition of first-round pick — and Allen’s former college teammate — Daron Payne, Washington should be strong against the run. With Ezekiel Elliot, Saquon Barkley and the defending champs, the Philadelphia Eagles, all in the division, the Redskins need all the help they can get.
And it begins — and ends — with Allen. He’s a potential star when healthy.