2019 NFL Draft: Grades for every first-round pick

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Josh Allen, EDGE, Kentucky

Grade: A

With the seventh overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars took Kentucky edge rusher Josh Allen. The Jags simply sat back and took the best available player on their board. Sure, they had bigger needs on the offensive side of the ball, but when a guy like Allen falls in this range, you cannot hesitate. Snagging him here is fantastic value.

Allen has great overall size and length on the outside, which he pairs with incredible natural burst and athleticism. He has freak upfield burst, getting off the ball quickly and putting immediate stress on opposing offensive tackles. He also uses his hands well and shows nasty inside counter moves that he uses to create immediate pressure on the passer.

Allen is not much of a run defender, struggling to maintain gap leverage on a consistent basis. But he does have some big-play skills in this area, showing some real upside as a one-gap penetrator.

While he is best used as an edge rusher, Allen shows some real fluidity in coverage, moving well in space and playing strong zone coverage in the middle of the field. It is incredibly important to be able to defend the pass in today’s NFL and Allen is a big-time asset as both a pass rusher and in coverage.

The Jaguars are extremely talented in the front seven and can bring Allen along slowly, allowing him to shine on passing downs and protect him against the run. Fantastic fit and value for Jacksonville at seven.