While Myles Garrett is a talented player and has unlimited upside, there is no denying the productivity and NFL ready prospect that Jonathan Allen is.
Jonathan Allen Going Number 1 Overall
Jonathan Allen has been a beast on the defensive side of the ball. As talented as Alabama’s defense is, there is something to be said about one player that shines above the rest. The agility that Jonathan Allen has for his size is something that is unmatched. Just watch any highlight film of him, and you will be amazed at how well he can move and adjust to any play. Allen has a true nonstop motor, and can always be seen chasing down players and assisting on tackles that most lineman wouldn’t even get to.
Allen also has made some incredible defections and interceptions, something that is rare for a player his size. Allen’s play looks effortless on the field, and you can see teams constantly game planning around him to try to minimize his effectiveness.
Allen is a new breed of disruptive interior lineman. (While some are projecting him as a DE, I think his best fit is as a 4-3 DT.) One comparison might be to the Los Angeles Rams’ Aaron Donald. The mix of disruptiveness in the run game, and pass rushing skills makes Allen and Donald a hot commodity. Pass rushing DE/OLB types have been getting the praise for the last decade, but we may be seeing a shift back to talented inside linemen.
Allen’s awareness of what is happening on the field is second to none. On any given play you can see Allen looking around for how the play is developing, and deciding on the right position to be. He is a very technically sound and disciplined player, which when added to his skill set makes him a tremendous NFL ready prospect.
Myles Garrett
Myles Garrett is no doubt a talented player. He has the ability to completely dominate and disrupt on the defensive side of the ball.
Garrett has the athleticism to set him apart from most other players on the field. Garrett knows how to use these to his advantage and especially wreak havoc on weaker opponents.
One area of concern is that Garrett may have some trouble with more talented opposition. Alabama’s LT Cam Robinson (a 1st or 2nd Round NFL Draft Pick) was able to keep Myles Garrett in check for most of the game. One problem with pass rushers like Garrett is sometimes they are so talented, that they do not necessarily have to develop good technique and a variety of moves because their pure athleticism allows them to dominate their opponents. Now I’m not saying this is necessarily the case with Garrett, but it is something to look out for. There are a lot of bull rushing plays that Garrett might not be able to replicate so easily in the NFL. Garrett seemed to become a bit discouraged in the Alabama game when he wasn’t able to be an immediate force and presence that he is traditionally used to.
That being said, it could just be nitpicking of an extremely talented player. I could go on and on about the praise Myles Garrett deserves, but that is nearly everywhere you look online. Garrett has the talent and passion to be a force in the league, I’m just not sure that he is as polished as Jonathan Allen at this point.
As of right now, my choice for the number 1 overall pick would be Jonathan Allen. I believe he has been shown to be an absolute stud in a talented defense. As long as Allen has some other talented players around him in the NFL, I believe he will make a strong immediate impact and be a Pro Bowl caliber player for years to come.