As the 2016 season comes to a close, the Cleveland Browns have secured the number one overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft. Since rejoining the league in 1999, the Browns have had more failed first-round draft choices than any other team in the league, and it’s not even close. Since 2011, the Browns have made nine first-round draft selections, and only the three most recently selected still remain on the team. The Browns head into the 2017 draft with five choices in the first 65 overall selections. This draft could prove to be the turning point for a franchise that has been amongst the league’s worst teams, with only two winning seasons since 1999. This team has holes at virtually every position on their roster, but this is one of the deepest drafts in recent memory from a talent standpoint, especially on the defensive end.
Why The Cleveland Browns Should Draft Jonathan Allen
Safest Pick in The Draft
As previously mentioned, the Browns have had no luck with their past draft picks. Defensive Lineman, Jonathan Allen out of Alabama has been the best player on the best defense in the country all season. Many scouts list Texas A&M pass rusher Myles Garret as the number one overall prospect entering the draft, and he certainly possesses the skill set and raw talent to be the cornerstone of an NFL franchise for many years to come.
With that being said, Jonathan Allen has proven that he can be the centerpiece of a defense, and his stats prove it. Over the past three seasons, Allen only has three and a half less sacks compared to Garret. Allen primarily lined up as a five-technique defensive end at Alabaman, while Garret was used as a nine-technique. This means that Alabama often relied on linebackers such as Tim Williams to rush the passer, while Allen was used as a run stuffer. Allen’s ability to rush the passer, and stop the run would be a huge upgrade over anyone on the Browns defensive line.
Allen has spent the last four years learning under the greatest coach in college football history. Over that time he has learned not only how to be a great football player, but also a great leader, and most of all, a winner. The Browns need someone who can lead their young team, and show them how to win. I believe Jonathan Allen to be that player.
Fit With The Defense
The Browns recently hired Gregg Williams to head their defense, and he is bringing his 4-3 scheme with him. In Williams defense, Allen would most likely line up as a defensive tackle at the three-technique. This would pair him up with Danny Shelton on the inside, and take the Browns from one of the league’s worst teams against the run, to one of the best. He also would be a major upgrade over Jamie Meder and Desmond Bryant as a pass rusher. A defensive line made up of, Emmanuel Ogbah, Jonathan Allen, Danny Shelton, and Carl Nassib would be a young and very talented front four to wreak havoc on the AFC North for several years to come.
Conclusion and Pro Comparison
Jonathan Allen has the potential to be one of the best interior defensive linemen in the NFL. Over his years at Alabama he has shown the ability to improve all facets of his game, and he will only continue to get better under a proven defensive coach in Gregg Williams. The pro player Allen most reminds me of is Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams. Donald has been an All-Pro defensive tackle the past two seasons, both of which were under the tutelage of Gregg Williams. Williams has proven that he has the ability to mold Allen into a perennial NFL talent. The Browns front office has a lot of tough decisions over the next few months, but I believe Jonathan Allen has the talent to be a cornerstone of this defense for years to come, and help turn this franchise around.
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