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10 Underrated NFL players under 25 years old in 2019

By Russell S. Baxter

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 05: Jaylon Smith #54 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates a fumble recovery in the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at AT&T Stadium on November 5, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 05: Jaylon Smith #54 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates a fumble recovery in the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at AT&T Stadium on November 5, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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Washington Redskins
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images /

8. DE Jonathan Allen, Washington Redskins

Although his rookie season was cut very short in 2017, Washington Redskins defensive lineman Jonathan Allen still showed why he was a very worthy first-round pick that earlier that year. Yes, the former University of Alabama standout unexpectedly slipped to No. 17 in the draft that year due to a number of circumstances. But after being limited to only five games, 10 tackles and one sack in his debut campaign, the 24-year old performer bounced back well this past season.

And his presence certainly made a difference in 2018 when it came to stopping the run. One year after the ‘Skins allowed the most rushing yards in the league, Greg Manusky’s defensive unit improved to 17th in that same category this past season. Allen started all 16 games for Jay Gruden’s club and finished fifth on the team with 61 stops, including 11 tackles for losses. And only outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan (13) totaled more sacks this past year for the team than Allen (8).

Now the former Crimson Tide standout enters his third season on a unit that has been bolstered by the addition of safety Landon Collins and rookie pass-rusher Montez Sweat. Washington made significant strides on this side of the football a year ago and with a three-man line spearheaded by Allen and including fellow starters, such as end Matt Ioannidis and nose tackle Da’Ron Payne, this is a defense that bares watching.

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