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Washington Redskins: Best pick from each of last 10 NFL Draft classes

By Hunter Noll

LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 30: Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder before the game between the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField on December 30, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 30: Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder before the game between the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField on December 30, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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Washington Redskins Jonathan Allen
PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 27: (L-R) Jonathan Allen of Alabama poses with Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell after being picked #17 overall by the Washington Redskins during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

2017: Jonathan Allen – First Round, 17th overall pick

We’re official in “things can change drastically” territory. Two years is hardly enough to measure a draft, but we’ve got to make a decision. With that in mind, the Washington Redskins 2017 draft class has a few players with promise, then one clear standout.

Linebacker Ryan Anderson (second round) and cornerback Fabian Moreau (third round) are intriguing prospects defensive prospects. Meanwhile Jeremy Sprinkle (fifth round) shows promise at tight end, and center Chase Roullier (sixth round) started all 16 games last season, including seeing time at guard.

Jonathan Allen is the only right answer for this draft though. He gave a brief glimpse of his potential in his rookie season, but only recorded one sack while appearing in five games due to injury. The defensive end came on strong last season, though. He racked up an impressive 61 tackles and eight sacks while appearing in every game.

Allen has quickly become an integral part of the defensive line, just like Ioannidis. Also like Ioannidis, Allen isn’t confined to doing just one thing. He’s an excellent pass rusher, but is devastating in rush defense.

Surprising quickness allows the 24-year old to blow past his blocker and get to the quarterback, or get to the edge and stop an outside run. His power allows him to run through his blocker and destroy the quarterback, or plug a gap and ruin an inside run.

It’s fun to watch Allen work against offensive lineman as he improves. He’s already a problem for his opponents, and will only get better as time goes on. That was evident by the improvements he made late last season, including looking more comfortable using different moves to get past his would-be-blocker.

The Redskins 2017 class is shaping up to be a pretty decent one. Allen is the one player who has superstar written all over him though. He’s already made a name for himself and will only improve upon his legacy as he gets better.

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