Washington Redskins 2018 defensive stat predictions
DE Jonathan Allen
Jonathan Allen‘s rookie season was full of promise and excitement; in just five games, he showed a dominance most rookies don’t. Whenever he was on the field, he made the players around him better, specifically the outside linebackers. Allen is an excellent pass rusher and when he’s paired with Preston Smith or Ryan Kerrigan, it means someone is getting a one-on-one with the offensive lineman. If Allen is healthy all season, not only will his sack numbers rise, but so will the numbers of Smith and Kerrigan.
Allen also happens to be an elite run defender. In weeks 1-5, when Allen was healthy, the Redskins run defense was noticeably better. He was consistently in the backfield, and helped Smith and Kerrigan see more one-on-one opportunities.
Allen’s health is as important to the defense as Jordan Reed’s is to the offense. It’s a different unit with those players on the field, and if the Washington Redskins want to boast a strong defensive attack, it starts with Jonathan Allen. He has the highest upside of any player on the defense and if he can play 13 or more games, he should put together a Pro Bowl season.
Allen’s health will prove to have the biggest impact on the improvement of the run defense. He is an excellent player and a full season will show why the Redskins were ecstatic to get him at No. 17 overall in last year’s draft. He has the talent to be the next great NFL defensive lineman, something the Redskins have lacked for years.