The Washington Redskins select Alabama Crimson Tide defensive end Jonathan Allen at No. 17 in the 2017 NFL Draft. Here is the Redskins’ first-round grade.
The Washington Redskins will have their third defensive coordinator in four seasons. Washington has been solid the last two years with Kirk Cousins under center and Jay Gruden as head coach. However, Washington needed to get better on the other side of the ball. They did so by drafting the ultra-productive defensive end Jonathan Allen at No. 17 out of the University of Alabama.
Allen was an absolute wrecking ball on the defensive line for Nick Saban’s Alabama Crimson Tide. He was the best player in the SEC last season. Allen’s on-field leadership led the Crimson Tide to the 2016 National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers.
His stock dropped in recent weeks due to a bum shoulder after being used hard at Alabama by Saban. He may have less tread on the tires than some general managers would like, but this kid is a slam dunk pick for the Redskins at No. 17.
Allen may not have a long NFL career, but he looks to be a great locker room guy at minimum. He can also play several positions along the defensive line. This is crucial because NFL offenses cannot substitute him out of a formation. He could play on the edge in a 4-3 base, as well as kick inside in sub-packages as a defensive tackle.
His ability to get after the passer from varying techniques will translate to the next level. Allen is more of a bull rusher than anything, but he does use his hands to his advantage. He seems to be a student of the game and can really help give the Redskins more bite in the front seven. This is a dream pick for the Redskins.