
The 49ers are adding a wrecking ball to their front seven.
On Thursday, San Francisco selected Kentucky outside linebacker Josh Allen with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Josh Allen
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Position: Outside linebacker
College: Kentucky
Height: 6-5
Weight: 262
Selection: First round (No. 2 overall)
Scouting report
Allen was a very good player as a junior who could have declared for the NFL Draft and likely been a second- or third-round draft pick. Instead, he bet on himself and now he lands at the top of the draft. Jim Nagy, former Seahawks scout and current executive director of the Senior Bowl, called him the most-improved player in college football. He recorded a nation-high 17 sacks and swept the major college defensive player of the year awards. Allen committed himself to become a great player, and the results spoke volumes. He added bulk to a lean frame and did not lose any of his agility and explosion. Allen is an outside linebacker who can cover tight ends and transition to an elite pass-rusher. “Very fluid athlete with body control. . . Abnormally comfortable when dropping into coverage,” says draft expert Josh Norris of Rotoworld and NBC Sports.
Projected role
San Francisco 49ers
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The 49ers entered the offseason with a major need at edge rusher after a season in which Cassius Marsh and Ronald Blair managed just 5.5 sacks apiece. The club acquired Dee Ford in a trade with Kansas City, and now Allen is added to provide an upgrade on the other side. Allen should e an every-down player, starting at the strong side linebacker position, where he can be asked to cover tight ends. In nickel situations, Allen can move down to end in the 49ers’ four-man front and get after the quarterback.
What they’re saying
“I would say Khalil Mack and Von Miller. I say that because they’re both the best at the position and I feel I’m the best so I feel I should compare myself to the best. I feel my game symbolizes both of theirs” – Josh Allen on which players he compares himself.
“Being in the NFL for six years, one of the most undervalued aspect is being a team guy. And to have the talent he has, the work ethic he has, the burning desire to be great that he has, on top of the person he is, he’s the whole package” – Brad White, former Colts linebackers coach and current Kentucky defensive coordinator.
“If you like what you see on the football field, you’re going to absolutely love him in the locker room and in your community” – Mark Stoops, Kentucky head coach.