2019 NFL Draft: Top 5 Defensive Rookie of the Year candidates

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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – APRIL 25: Josh Allen of Kentucky reacts after being chosen #7 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

1. Josh Allen, EDGE, Jacksonville Jaguars

Coming in at No. 1 in the potential Defensive Rookie of the Year winners is Josh Allen of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Much like Nick Bosa, Allen comes into a great situation where there will be a lot of attention paid to the great players around him. He will be out there with Yannick Ngakoue, Calais Campbell, Myles Jack, Taven Bryan and Marcell Dareus.

The Jaguars weren’t great in 2018 but that felt more like an anomaly than something we will see in 2019. With them adding Nick Foles at quarterback, there’s hope that they’ll be a more rested defense — as well as one that doesn’t feel like no matter what they do it won’t be enough due to the offense’s inadequacy.

Should that be the case, there’s no reason to think they won’t be right back in the mix for the AFC South title. If they are, then a lot of attention will be paid to them and Josh Allen could find himself being rewarded for that.

On top of what the team can do, Allen will have a giant chip on his shoulder this year. He stated before the draft that he believed he was the best edge rusher in the draft. However, he slid some as the Oakland Raiders passed on him at No. 4 and decided instead to take Clelin Ferrell.

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While just about everyone who watched the draft felt as though Ferrell was a reach over Allen, he will be motivated to prove that this season. If he does, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him earn the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

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