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NFL Draft 2017: 5 candidates to win 2017 Defensive Rookie of the Year

By Jerran Anderson

Apr 28, 2017; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns number one pick defensive lineman Myles Garrett talks to the media at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2017; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns number one pick defensive lineman Myles Garrett talks to the media at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Jonathan Allen (Alabama) poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (right) as he is selected as the number 17 overall pick to the Washington Redskins in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Jonathan Allen (Alabama) poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (right) as he is selected as the number 17 overall pick to the Washington Redskins in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

The Alabama Crimson Tide have another player on this rankings which shouldn’t be a huge shock. Defensive end Jonathan Allen was a player whose name came up a lot when it came to defensive stops in 2016.

Allen was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year, Bronco Nagurski Award winner, Chuck Bednarik Award winner and Ted Hendricks Award winner in 2016. He earned all those awards after recording 69 total tackles, 16.0 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries and one fumble return for a touchdown.

However, a lot of teams had concerns about Allen’s shoulder arthritis. He had surgery on both shoulders during his college career. The Washington Redskins gladly took Allen with the 17th overall pick and he has a big opportunity on his hands.

It helps Allen was raised in Ashburn, Va., the current location of the Redskins’ practice facility. So a return to his old stomping grounds could give him an advantage. Another advantage for Allen could be playing alongside linebacker Ryan Anderson, who was also drafted by the Redskins with the 49th overall pick.

With the departure of defensive end Chris Baker up front, look for Allen to challenge for the starting role as well as Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2017.

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