Todd Wash on Josh Allen possibly playing linebacker: ‘He was drafted to be a defensive end’

The Jacksonville Jaguars have a very straightforward approach to how they want to use first round draft pick Josh Allen in their defense — to rush the passer.

When asked if he had any creative ways to use Allen or if he was planning on splitting his time between linebacker and defensive end, defensive coordinator Todd Wash was as blunt as he could possibly be.

“Josh Allen was drafted to be a defensive end.”

Well then.

Wash went on to explain that while Allen will be a defensive end, that doesn’t preclude him from dropping into coverage or doing things other than rush the passer.

“I don’t know how much we’ll move him around. He’s a defensive end so him and Yannick [Ngakoue] play the same position, obviously opposite each other on rush downs, but you’ve got a lot of ability to drop him, rush him and all that kind of stuff. We’re excited. We didn’t think we’d get him at seven [in the draft], and he was there so obviously we’ve got to take advantage of it ... I honestly can’t say being a defensive line coach that I get to excited about a 15-sack guy dropping into coverage. Hopefully you won’t see too damn much of that.”

What do you think? Should the Jaguars be a little more creative with a guy like Allen? Or is this straightforward approach what’s best for Allen and the defense as a whole? Let us know in the comments below.