Fansided

NFL Draft 2017: Top target for each team

By John Buhler

Oct 29, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) looks to throw in the first quarter against the Miami Hurricanes at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) looks to throw in the first quarter against the Miami Hurricanes at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
17 of 32
Next
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) reacts during the second quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) reacts during the second quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Chargers: Jonathan Allen

Concerns about the makeup of his shoulders have Alabama Crimson Tide defensive end Jonathan falling on some draft boards. If he checks out medically, he would be an absolute steal at No. 7 should he fall that far to the Los Angeles Chargers.

Allen might be the most decorated defensive player to come out of the SEC in some time. He won the Bronko Nagurski Award, the Chuck Bednarik Award, the Ted Hendricks Award, and SEC Defensive Player of the Year in his senior season in 2016 with the Crimson Tide

Allen had 69 tackles, 16.0 for a loss of yardage, 10.5 quarterback sacks, three forced fumbles, two passes defended and one unforgettable 75-yard pick six in 2016. He will be a productive player in any NFL defense, as long as he stays healthy.

With the Chargers, Allen could play 3-technique in 4-3 fronts and 5-technique in 3-4 packages. Los Angeles may have two studs on the pass rush already in Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram, but a third in Allen couldn’t hurt. The Chargers do play in a division with Derek Carr, Alex Smith, and whomever the Denver Broncos trot out at quarterback.

Los Angeles has an opportunity to potentially land a blue-chip prospect at No. 7 should a few of the teams in front of them mess up in the draft process. Allen would look good in powder blue and bring a new fan base to Chargers football from Tuscaloosa. Los Angeles needs all the fans it can get after leaving San Diego this winter.

Home/NFL Draft