The Redskins have added an explosive defensive lineman in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, selecting Alabama product Jonathan Allen, a Leesburg, Va., native.
For the first time since 2011, when the team drafted linebacker Ryan Kerrigan, the Washington Redskins have selected a defensive player in the first round of the NFL Draft.
On Thursday evening with the No. 17-overall pick, Washington selected Alabama defensive lineman Jonathan Allen.
Allen attended Stone Bridge High School in Leesburg, Va., which sits 10 minutes away from Redskins Park in Loudoun County, Va. The 6-foot-3, 286 pounder grew up watching the Redskins and will now return home to play in the NFL with them.
The senior defensive end earned the Chuck Bednarik and Bronco Nagurski Award as the nation's top defender on the nation's top defense in 2016 after compiling 69 tackles, 16 for a loss, and leading the team with 10.5 sacks.
In his junior year, he received All-SEC First Team by conference coaches and the Associated Press after his 12-sack season. According to RollTide.com, Allen ranked ninth nationally in sacks per game (.86).
Four times during the 2015 season Allen tallied at least two sacks including three against Mississippi State on Nov. 14 and two against Michigan State in the Cotton Bowl. Allen earned SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors for his performance against Mississippi State.
During his sophomore season in 2014, Allen finished second on Alabama on tackles for loss (11.5) and sacks (5.5) along with his first All-SEC First Team selection. Three times he earned Defensive Player of the Week honors by Alabama's coaching staff.
As a freshman in 2013, Allen appeared in 12 games, making 16 tackles and forced a fumble.
Allen was a five-star recruit and was the 11th-rated defensive end in his class nationally. During his senior season in 2012, Allen collected 119 tackles with nine sacks, six fumble recoveries, eight pass breakups, six blocked kicks and had seven pass breakups.
The 2012 Virginia Gatorade High School Player of the Year ran a 5-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and figures to be a dominant force up front against the pass and run.
Allen's arrival in Washington fulfills a big need for the team, which needed more production from its defensive line. Allen provides an instant boost and a large body up the middle that was lacking last season.
With his selection, Allen joins a defensive line group that also features Terrell MacClain, Stacy McGee, Ziggy Hood, Phil Taylor, A.J. Francis, Anthony Lanier, Joey Mbu and Matt Ioannidis.
Check back with Redskins.com throughout the 2017 NFL Draft for coverage of all of the team's selections and more.
