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ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Jr. is at it again, folks! The draft analyst with a head of hair that just won’t quit (no matter how much we may want it to) has released his latest first round mock draft and the Jacksonville Jaguars are picking...
Jonathan Allen! A defensive lineman! Not a running back! Not Mitch(ell) Trubisky!
Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama | Watch highlights
Jacksonville has put a lot of capital into improving its defensive line -- a No. 3 overall pick on Dante Fowler Jr., (2015) and big-money free-agent contracts to Malik Jackson (2016) and Calais Campbell (2017) -- but Allen is almost too good to pass up at No. 4. In this scenario, Allen (6-3, 286) would probably slot in at tackle next to Jackson, but he could kick outside, too. He's versatile enough to play in a 4-3 or 3-4 defense and rush the passer from the inside or at end. He totaled 22.5 sacks over the past two seasons in Alabama.
It’s a good bet this happens. Newly hired Executive VP of Operations Tom Coughlin loves building teams from the inside out — strengthen the offensive and defensive lines and you’re setting yourself up for success, says Coughlin.
If Allen is there (and especially if Solomon Thomas isn’t) it’s a no-brainer to get the Alabama standout.
What do you think?