Jaguars Select OLB Josh Allen with the 7th Pick of the 2019 NFL Draft

The Jaguars upgraded their defense in round one, as the team took Kentucky OLB Josh Allen with the 7th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.

The big-time playmaker, @joshallen41_ is headed to Jacksonville!#WeAreUK #NFLDraft #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/64pFC6u5uR

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) April 26, 2019

Here is a scouting report on Allen from Walter Football:

Strengths:

Excellent instincts
Splash plays
Makes huge plays in the clutch
Can take over games
Annual double-digit sack potential in his pro career
Explosive speed off the edge
Natural pass-rush ability
Quick get-off
Excellent in pursuit
Repertoire of pass-rushing moves
Dangerous speed to get around the corner
Active hands at times
Agility to sink his hips/shoulder
Speed to power rusher
Can line up at a variety of places
Good athlete
Agility to dodge blockers on the run
Pursuit run defense
Strong tackler
Can drop into pass coverage
Quick to read his keys and get in position to make plays
Good height, length and weight
High character
Locker room leader

Weaknesses:

Can get covered up and pushed on runs coming straight at him

Summary: In early October of 2017, WalterFootball.com was first to report that Allen was receiving early-round grades from NFL teams. Allen was a backup as a freshman before putting together a solid sophomore season in his debut as a starter. In 2016, he recorded 62 tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss, seven sacks and four forced fumbles. As a junior, Allen was one of the top edge defenders in the SEC, totaling seven sacks, 65 tackles, 9.5 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and three passes batted on the year. Allen considered entering the 2018 NFL Draft, but ultimately decided to return for his senior year.

That ended up being a wise decision, as Allen has improved his standing from being a potential late first-round pick in 2018 to being a top-10 prospect for the 2019 NFL Draft. Allen was one of the best players in college football in 2018, leading Kentucky to a 10-win season. On the year, he totaled 88 tackles with 21.5 tackles for a loss, 17 sacks, five forced fumbles and four passes batted. Prior to dominating Vanderbilt and South Carolina, the senior was phenomenal in leading Kentucky to upsets over Florida and Mississippi State. He came up some massive plays to lead a comeback over Missouri as well. Allen ate up the SEC offensive tackles, and provided a plethora of game-changing plays in crunch time to get the Wildcats wins they otherwise would have fallen short on. It was a season of sheer domination.

In the passing-driven NFL, edge defenders who can get after the quarterback are always in demand. With his speed, athleticism, size, strength and length, Allen could be an impactful edge defender with double-digit sack potential as a pro. He also is a good run defender who is capable of contributing in pass coverage. Allen can do it all and could be a defensive franchise player to build a pro defense around.

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