For the second straight year there’s a Josh Allen heading into the draft, and like last year, this one will be selected in the first round. This time most fans of the New York Jets will want him.
Imagine the New York Jets having a bona fide pass rusher. That’s something they haven’t had since the days of John Abraham. However, that’s what they could get if they were to select Josh Allen from Kentucky in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Kentucky is known as a basketball school. When you look at the list of players to be drafted from there, it’s not very long, but they do have two Pro Football Hall of Famers — George Blanda and Dermontti Dawson.
Going into the 2018 NFL Draft, there was some buzz about Allen, but he decided to go back to school for one more year, and that decision is going to pay off big time. He was likely going to be a second-day pick last season, and now he’s likely to go in the top 10, if not the top five.
When watching the film on Allen, you have to spot him quickly. He has tremendous speed off the ball and can jump into a play seemingly out of nowhere with his quickness, even against the run. Allen is much more than a pass rush specialist. He can set the edge in the running game and chase down running backs to limit gains. He’s also quick off the ball with multiple pass rush moves. He’s a first day starter in this league.
What separates Allen from the crowd isn’t his speed or athleticism. His ability in coverage makes him an all-around edge presence, and the Jets wouldn’t have to take him off the field except for rest.
He has an ability to stay with running backs man to man, and he’s a master in zone coverage. Even if the ball goes his way, and the receiver makes the catch, he will keep yards after the catch to a minimum.
The Jets may have a dilemma on their hands come the draft if they don’t trade down. If they’re still in a 3-4 defense, they may have to choose between Allen and Nick Bosa. Bosa played 4-3 defensive end at Ohio State, and he didn’t play in a two-point stance. Allen may end up being a better scheme fit for them, even with the No. 1 overall pick (which according to ESPN the Jets have a five percent chance of landing).
If they land Allen, they would be getting one of the best 3-4 edge rushers in the draft. He would wreak havoc on opposing defenses, and possibly open things up for Leonard Williams. The Jets would finally have the man they’ve been looking for.