Name: Jonathan Allen
School: Alabama
Position fit: 4-3 defensive end or 3-4 defensive end. Regardless of “base” position, can rush from the interior in subpackages.
Stats to know: Led all interior defensive linemen with 67 pressures in 2016
What he does best:
- Explodes into blockers and controls the line of scrimmage
- Will stay square, work down the line of scrimmage in the run game
- Has the power to push the pocket as a pass-rusher. Can compress pocket from interior or off the edge
- Has quickness and hands to win on the inside against guards, versatile skillset allows him to rush passer from many different positions
- Relentless with his hands, will pick up late pressures
- Rarely loses on first contact against opposing blockers
- Had few opportunities to play 6-tech, but would likely be dominant run defender as base DE
- At his best when engaging and using his hands to shed blocks
- After playing only 401 snaps in 2015, Allen showed that he can handle more of a full-time role in 2016, playing 746 snaps while excelling both against the run and as a pass-rusher
Biggest concern:
- Lets blockers get into his pads and gets buried every now and then (Will powerful NFL guards have run game success?