NFL Draft prospects to watch in National Championship Game
By Brad Weiss
Jonathan Allen
DT, Alabama
The last player we showcase could be the first player to hear his name called next April, as some publications have Alabama’s Jonathan Allen going first overall to the Cleveland Browns. On the field, Allen is a dominant figure, who is just as good stopping the run as he is getting after the quarterback. While Myles Garrett may go first overall, Allen should be right behind him, and if he does well at the combine, he just may leapfrog him.
Allen’s impact for the Crimson Tide cannot be understated, as he has emerged as the best defensive lineman in all of college football. Nicknamed “the Hulk” in high school, Allen plays with that kind of rage on the football field, and really strikes fear into the hearts of his opponents. There is no doubt he is going to be an elite player at the next level, as his physical gifts are only second to his desire to be the best player on the field at all times.
When Allen arrived at Alabama, some believed he may become an outside linebacker. However, he put on 30 pounds of muscle, and when all was said and done, he had turned himself into a defensive lineman that actually got Heisman Trophy votes. Now, with his eyes set on back-to-back national titles, Allen will be looking to go out a champion, after surprising scouts by returning for his senior season.
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In a draft filled with incredible defensive talent, Allen comes in second to none. He is one of the better defensive linemen prospects we have seen in a long time, and on Monday night, he will be all over Clemson’s Deshaun Watson in the passing game. He is going to be a fantastic pro, and with the ability to play in any scheme, Allen will be well worth the high pick in next April’s draft.