2019 NFL Draft: Implications of Kyler Murray going No. 1 overall
30. . DE/OLB. Kentucky. Josh Allen. 3. player
The Jets will secretly be hoping the 49ers draft Quinnen Williams so Bosa falls to them at No. 3; if not, New York will be left with a similarly difficult decision deciding between Williams and Kentucky edge-rusher Josh Allen.
The Jets have been one of the biggest spenders in the offseason, adding former Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell and Ravens linebacker C.J. Mosley. They still haven’t been able to obtain the coveted edge rusher, though. Anthony Barr reneged on the contract he agreed to to instead sign back with the Vikings, and they were the silver medalist in the Khalil Mack sweepstakes last season.
They’re still looking for that difference maker off the edge, and that’s why I think they’ll bypass the sure-thing of Williams to take Allen, who might still be a bit raw, but has the ceiling to be the best pass rusher from this class.
He got by at Kentucky with a dominating speed rush; if he puts in the work and learns counter-moves from NFL coaches, Allen could one day lead the league in sacks. He had 17 sacks for the Wildcats last season, leading Kentucky to their best season in over 40 years.
The opportunity to finally land a high-end edge rusher is likely to be too appealing to pass on, leaving the Jets to also pass on the player who is arguably the No. 1 overall prospect.