Summary

Jonathan Allen was selected in the 1st round (#17 Overall) in the 2017 NFL Draft out of Alabama and is a multiple-time Pro Bowler. Allen is a standout interior defensive lineman whose combination of technique, versatility, and pass-rush disruption make him a very valuable asset. While he may not have the freak height or elite edge speed of some outside specialists, his consistency, reliability, and well-rounded game make him a “front-line” player rather than merely a situational piece. His biggest challenges are staying healthy, maximizing his frame in the toughest matchups, and remaining as effective in heavy run-blocking situations. If he continues at his current trajectory, he remains among the better interior defenders in the NFL.

Strengths

Jonathan Allen brings a robust set of skills that make him a high-impact interior defender:

• Pass-rush ability from the interior: Allen is frequently cited for his ability to penetrate gaps, use quickness off the snap, and generate pressure on the quarterback despite lining up inside.

• Technical proficiency & hand use: In evaluations, he receives praise for his hand placement, ability to shed blocks, strong fundamentals against both run and pass. Touchdown Alabama

• Versatility in alignment: He has shown the ability to play multiple spots on the defensive front—inside, as a 3-tech or 4-tech, and sometimes outside. This versatility is valuable in modern defenses. SI

• Run-defense strength / point-of-attack force: Allen is also effective in run-support—holding the line of scrimmage, controlling blockers, and helping plug gaps. FOX Sports

• High football IQ & consistency: Many scouting reports highlight his awareness, consistency, and reliability as a pro.

Weaknesses

While Allen is a very strong player, there are some areas and limitations to note:

• Length / physical prototypical size for certain roles: At ~6′3″, some evaluators felt Allen lacked the ideal height or reach that some defensive ends or larger tackles possess, which can matter when matching up with certain blockers. NFL.com

• Power against heavier blockers when used full-time inside: When asked to consistently anchor 0- or 1-tech roles (especially in heavy run-blocking schemes), there were questions about whether his frame and mass were ideal compared to some of the larger interior linemen. SI

• Injury history / durability concerns: During his college and NFL career evaluations, his shoulder history and other medical notes were flagged as potential risks. SI

• Breakout upside vs. top pass-rush specialists: While very good, some reports suggested that Allen might lack the elite bend or edge speed of top outside rushers—i.e., his “ceiling” as a pure edge rusher might be somewhat lower compared to the most physically dominant specialists. Team Speed Kills

Fit & Outlook

Allen is best suited for defenses that:

• Use him as an interior penetrator or heavy 3-tech, rather than asking him to operate as a traditional 5-tech edge who holds the outside.

• Value versatility and allow him to shift between run and pass situations, taking advantage of his ability to disrupt both.

• Use scheming to maximize his strengths—quick-off-the-snap rush, hand technique, gap penetration—while protecting him from being consistently over-matched by much larger blockers in pure anchor roles.

Looking ahead, assuming health, Allen projects as a high-level starter—and in many systems, a Pro Bowl-capable interior defensive lineman. If he stays healthy and continues refining, he can anchor a defensive front. On the flip side, if injuries or scheme mismatches arise (e.g., being asked to play full-time nose tackle in a heavy run scheme), his limitations (size/length, power vs biggest blockers) could become more relevant.