While fans have been caught up with Minshew Mania, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ first selection of the 2019 NFL Draft, Josh Allen, has been equally impressive. The rookie will enter Week 11’s game against the Indianapolis Colts tied for the most sacks amongst rookies (with Nick Bosa) with seven, 25 tackles and two forced fumbles. As a result, the oddsmakers in Vegas seem to have noticed the former Kentucky Wildcat as Bovada has him listed with the third-highest odds (+1200) alongside Brian Burns to win Defensive Rookie of the Year. The only players with higher odds are Bosa (-270) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush (+280).
On a defense that is already loaded with pass rushers like Calais Campbell and Yannick Ngakoue, Allen has been nothing short of solid and has made those who passed on him look silly for doing so. His seven sacks are currently good for the highest total on the team, and his 13 quarterback hits are good for second on the team only under Campbell. With a stat line like that, it’s a wonder that he hasn’t received more national exposure and doesn’t have the best odds to win Defensive Rookie of the Year.
The Jags will return from their bye week with 30 sacks, good for third-highest in the league. As for Allen, he should be able to garner double-digit sacks this season. The current record is held by Ngakoue, who accumulated eight sacks in 2016 as a rookie.
