Jonathan Allen became the second Alabama player selected in the NFL Draft on Thursday night when he was taken with the No. 17 pick in the first round by the Washington Redskins. Allen is the first Crimson Tide defensive lineman selected in the first round since Marcell Dareus was taken with the No. 3 pick in the 2011 draft by the Buffalo Bills. He joins Marlon Humphrey who was selected by the Baltimore Ravens with the 16th overall pick as Alabama players selected in this year's draft
Allen wrapped up a successful season last year, earning the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award, Ted Hendricks Award and Lombardi Award. He earned unanimous All-American honors, leading Alabama in sacks (10.5) and quarterback hurries (15). Allen finished tied for second on the team with 16 tackles for a loss and recovered three fumbles, two of which he returned for touchdowns. He was also voted one of Alabama’s four permanent team captains by his teammates.
Projected as a possible top-five pick, one reason for Allen's fall in the draft might have been due to injury concerns. The 6-foot-3, 286-pound defensive lineman has dealt with labral tears in both of his shoulders which have left him with moderate arthritis. However, Allen was informed by doctors that effects from the condition shouldn’t arise until 15-20 years down the road.
