New York Jets 2019 NFL Draft Profile: Josh Allen, EDGE
The New York Jets need a premier pass rusher. One player they should consider selecting in the 2019 NFL Draft is Josh Allen from Kentucky.
Fans of the New York Jets have been yearning for a dynamic pass rusher for over a decade now. Not since the glory days of John Abraham from 2000-05 have the green and white had a premier player that can consistently pressure the quarterback without aid of the blitz. That could all change this year in the 2019 NFL Draft in April.
Gang Green owns the third overall pick and a prospect that might be available when they’re on the clock is edge defender/linebacker Josh Allen. The University of Kentucky product was a consensus All-American in 2018 and winner of the Chuck Bednarik Award as the college football Defensive Player of the Year. Not too shabby.
The 6-4, 258-pounder recorded 17 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss in 13 contests for the Wildcats last season. Allen owns the school record for sacks with 31.5 in 42 career games with Kentucky.
Let’s take a look at some of his career highlights:
The Jets are going to have to sweat this out because the 49ers, selecting at number two overall, may tab Allen. Can you blame them? The Cumberland County, VA native has a lethal combination of burst, power, speed and athleticism — just what the doctor ordered for Gang Green.
Allen explodes off the edge. He uses a variety of moves like the bull rush and swim move to wreak havoc in the backfield. Allen possesses a live motor and battles through contact quite effectively. His passion for the game is quite evident by his supreme effort and determination.
Now Allen is not a perfect player, not even the great Lawrence Taylor was either. I am certainly not comparing the two, though. Taylor was one of a kind.
Allen needs to improve his tackling and strength at the point of attack against the rush. He does have fine closing speed to chase down the opposition though. Allen is also versatile — he is just as effective rushing the quarterback with his hand on the ground as he is standing up. He drops into pass coverage effectively and is an above-average open field tackler.
The former Kentucky star still has some developing to do to become a complete force in the NFL but his foundation is outstanding. His ceiling is through the roof. New Jets defensive coordinator Gregg Williams would be a perfect coach for him. Williams can wind him up and set him loose to attack the quarterback.
Allen is a stellar prospect and general manager Mike Maccagnan needs to pounce on him if he is available when Gang Green makes their first round selection. It’s a no-brainer