Jacksonville’s Josh Hines-Allen is the NFL’s eighth-best edge rusher, at least according to polling of anonymous NFL executives, coaches and scouts conducted by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Hines-Allen received at least one vote as the fifth-best player at his position, while at least one personnel member placed him outside of the top 10.
“[Hines-Allen] grew a ton as a player [in 2023] — more decisive, better angles and get-off,” a veteran NFL defensive coach told ESPN. “Played with more power. Has a really nice cross-chop that he’s mastered. Him and Travon Walker will be a force next year.”
Allen is freshly removed from setting the Jaguars’ single-season record for sacks with 17.5 last year, placing him 10 behind Tony Brackens’ franchise career record of 55.
Jacksonville rewarded Hines-Allen handsomely for his efforts this offseason, inking him to a five-year contract extension worth up to $150 million.
His fellow Jaguars starting EDGE, Walker, also received votes in the poll. The third-year NFL defender and Jacksonville’s 2022 first-overall draft pick produced 10 sacks last season, along with 52 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, two defended passes and one fumble recovery.
Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. cracked the top 10 at his position in ESPN’s NFL personnel polling about ball-carriers on Monday.