Josh Allen, OLB, Kentucky #41

6047, 262, 4.63

Notes: Born in Cumberland County, VA. His sister, Myisha Hines-Allen is a pro basketball player for the Washington Mystics. Uncle, Gregory “Duncan” Hines, played college basketball at Hampton, was drafted by the Golden State Warriors and had a 12-year professional player career. Lived with his aunt in a small-town in Alabama his first three years of high school and was an all-state wide receiver as a junior. Moved back to his hometown of Montclair, NJ, where he was a defensive end his senior year. Lightly recruited out of high school and did not receive an offer from in-state Rutgers at the time. Originally committed to nearby Monmouth, but then received a scholarship offer from Kentucky and chose the Wildcats. Has a son. Played in all 12 games as a backup linebacker and contributed on special teams, with 4 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and 0.5 sacks as a freshman in 2015. Played in all 13 games with 9 starts, recording 62 tackles, 8.5 TFL and 7 sacks in 2016. Played and started all 13 games, posting 65 tackles, 9.5 TFL, 7 sacks, 1 interception (returned 14 yards), 4 pass breakups and 2 forced fumbles in 2017. Started all 13 games, had 88 tackles, 21.5 TFL, 17 sacks, 4 PBU, 5 FF and 2 fumble recoveries. Combine – measured 6047, 262, did 28 reps, ran 4.63 forty, 1.63 10-yard split, 2.70 20-yard, 9-10 broad jump, 4.23 20-yard shuttle, 7.15 three cone drill.

Positives: Excellent blend of size, speed, quickness and athletic ability. A force at times as a pass rusher off the edge. Has the speed to win around the corner, but has also developed his power and an array of counter moves to work back inside as well. Penetrates and disrupts. Can stack at the point of attack. Difficult to block. Sheds and pursues effectively. Can drop into coverage and makes plays all over the field. Team leader. Conscientious worker who pays attention to details and want to get better. Gets high marks for his overall character. Has gotten better every year.

Negatives: Still learning and somewhat unrefined. Lacks elite coverage skills and feel a this point on pass defense.

Summary: Dynamic all-around player who can do a lot of different things. Impact performer that has to be accounted for by opponents every week. Outstanding fit as a 3-4 edge player, but provides equal value to a 4-3 team as a weakside end or Anthony Barr-type linebacker.