With their first-round pick (17th overall) in the first round, the Washington Redskins have selected defensive end, Jonathan Allen out of the University of Alabama. Jonathan Allen will fit nicely in new defensive coordinator Greg Manusky’s more aggressive scheme and should play a major role with the burgundy and gold for years to come.
Washington Selects Jonathan Allen at Pick 17
Allen comes as a complete steal at pick 17 for the Redskins. After being near the top of everyone’s ‘big board’ all winter, he took a ‘free-fall’ on draft day after concerns over his labral tears in both shoulders while at Alabama. The team doctors at Alabama are saying it’s not an issue moving forward. “Jonathan has really played without symptoms in his shoulders, and it’s something that has not affected his performance or function,” Alabama team doctor Lyle Cain said. “It doesn’t have to be treated during the season. And he’s had a couple of great years.”
Jonathan Allen won the 2016 Chuck Bednarik and Bronco Nagurski Award as the nation’s top defender on the nation’s top defense in 2016 (69 tackles, 16 TFL, led team with 10.5 sacks).
Allen (6-3, 286) played in 57 career games at Alabama from 2013-16, recording 154 tackles (78 solo), 45.0 tackles for loss, 28.5 sacks, seven pass breakups, and three forced fumbles. His 28.5 career sacks rank second in Alabama history, trailing only College and Pro Football Hall of Famer Derrick Thomas.
The pick makes complete sense for Washington as Allen will be able to step right in at defensive end and start from day one this year. The Redskins entered this offseason looking to build their defense up from one of the worst in the NFL the last few seasons. The team has several needs along the defensive line after they let go of several players a few weeks back.
Possible second-round positions of need
Washington still has several needs, including inside linebacker, safety, cornerback, another defensive lineman, and running back, to name a few. If the Redskins can find a decent free safety in the second round, they could improve their defense quickly.
