NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year: Top 2019 candidate in each division

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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – APRIL 25: Josh Allen of Kentucky poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell 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) /

AFC South: Josh Allen, EDGE, Jacksonville Jaguars

To say the Jacksonville Jaguars stole Josh Allen is an understatement. Most mock drafts had him going inside the top five, but he didn’t — and the Jags ended up with an edge rusher with elite traits. The 6-5, 262-pound edge rusher from Kentucky dominated college football. Then he went on to dominate the draft conversation with an excellent combine showing.

Allen will continue to dominate for the Jags. Defensive coordinator Todd Walsh will get all he can out of his rookie. Luckily for Allen he’s surrounded by great, albeit underachieving, talent.

It’s worth noting the number of mobile quarterbacks the Jags face in the 2019 season: Deshaun Watson, Marcus Mariota and Lamar Jackson. With Allen’s athletic prowess he’s likely to get used to spy in those situations. Additionally, the Jags will be without Telvin Smith and his coverage ability. Allen’s ability to drop into coverage could be of service.

Allen isn’t penciled in as the starter yet, but it doesn’t mean he can’t wreak havoc on the quarterback. Walsh can use Alllen on passing downs early on to get after opposing passers. Calais Campbell could move inside and allow Allen to play defensive end.

All Allen has to worry about this season is getting after the quarterback. If he does, he could hear see his stamped in the history books.

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