NFL Draft 2017: 5 Biggest First Round Steals

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

It is not a surprise that Jonathan Allen fell in the draft. It is a surprise that he fell all the way to seventeen to the Washington Redskins. The fact that his fall was that significant points to injury concerns about his arthritic shoulders along with schematic concerns that his production may be the result of playing with other great defenders at Alabama.

The Redskins entered the draft looking to significantly upgrade their defense. They accomplished that mission by taking Mike Mayock’s second ranked player overall. Allen’s free fall is the Redskins gain as he joins a defense that gave up over 350 yards of total offensive, over 100 yards rushing and over 250 yards passing per game last season.

Allen will upgrade the defensive front significantly. He can rush from the edge or the interior. His primary position at Alabama was a defensive end in Alabama’s base 3-4 defense. Much like Solomon Thomas, he kicks inside on passing downs to rush the passer. Unlike Thomas, Allen relies more on power than quickness which will make his transition to the NFL a little more adventurous than Thomas.

The Redskins walk away with the second-best player in the draft at pick seventeen. That is the definition of a steal.