2019 NFL Draft Scouting Report - Josh Allen

Josh Allen, Edge rusher of Kentucky, is a projected early first round draft pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, and potentially one of the best pass rushers to enter the NFL in decades. 

Josh Allen, Sr., Edge, University of Kentucky
6-foot-5, 260 pounds, #41

Despite being a First Team All-State defensive end in New Jersey, Josh Allen was a lightly regarded, two star recruit coming out of high school. A one time Monmouth commit, Allen accepted a late offer to play in he SEC at the University of Kentucky.

After gaining close to 40 pounds, Allen developed into a three-year starter at defensive end for the Wildcats, starting with a breakout Sophomore season where he notched 62 tackles, 8 tackles for a loss, 7 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles.

Allen earned 2nd and 3rd team All SEC honors following his Junior season where he put up 66 tackles, 7 sacks, 10.5 tackles for a loss, 2 forced fumbles, and an interception.

Bypassing the NFL Draft as a probable second day pick, Allen returned to Kentucky for his Senior year where he finished the season with 88 tackles, 17 sacks, 21.5 tackles for a loss, and 5 forced fumbles.

For those efforts, Allen earned First Team All SEC honors, SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors, First Team All American honors, and National Defensive Player of the Year honors from multiple media sources.

A physical freak, Allen has ideal size and athleticism to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. He is also heavy enough to play weakside defensive end in a 4-3 system.

Allen's lean, but muscular physique makes it unlikely that he'll put on much more weight at the NFL level without losing speed, but he'll probably add another 10 to 15 pounds as he naturally matures.

Allen is an extremely high motor edge rusher who simply blows opposing blockers away with his elite speed and burst, which allows him to get off the snap faster than just about any pass rusher I can remember. Opposing linemen are frequently forced to resort to reaching and grabbing, making him an offensive holding penalty in waiting.

On the rare occasion where his blocker is able to force him wide and/or deep in his pass rush, or in the event that the quarterback steps up in the pocket, Allen has the ability to quickly change directions and attack the passer from behind. This allows him to be an elite playmaker when it comes to forcing fumbles.

An instinctive player, Allen does well dropping into coverage. His motor also allows him to pursue opposing ball carriers from the backside of plays.

Although he's probably not yet stout enough to consistently set the edge against the run at the NFL level, Allen should grow into that role in time. For now, he's better utilized in pass rush and run pursuit given his athleticism and persistent drive towards the ball.

If there is one criticism about Allen's game, it's that he could use a secondary move to compliment his speed/power rush. It may be that he's just so dominant at the college level that he doesn't need to resort to secondary moves, but he's clearly athletic enough to add a spin or swim move to his repertoire (if he doesn't already have them) with proper tutelage at the NFL level.


NFL Comparison: Von Miller
NFL Draft Projection: First Round (top four)