Josh Allen a trendy early pick for Defensive Rookie of the Year

The NFL season kicks off tonight, which means outlets across the internet are releasing their predictions for the Super Bowl and end of season awards. One familiar name keeps popping up: Josh Allen. After an impressive preseason, the former Cat turned Jacksonville Jaguar earned three of the seven votes from CBS Sports’ panel for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

“I don’t like to base too much on the preseason, but Allen is going HAM against defenses and looks like he could do damage in the Jaguars already loaded defense,” said Will Brinson.

“The Jaguars were extremely fortunate to see Allen fall to them at No. 7,” Sean Wagner-McGough wrote. “Joining an already very good defense, Allen is set up to put up monster numbers during his rookie season after an impressive preseason,”

The rest of the panel’s picks: Ed Oliver (Bills), Quinnen Williams (Jets), and Devin Bush (Steelers), who got two votes. BetOnline.ag has odds on Defensive Rookie of the Year and Allen is a close second to Bush at 5/1:

• Devin Bush: 4/1
• Josh Allen: 5/1
• Devin White: 9/1
• Nick Bosa: 9/1
• Ed Oliver: 10/1
• Quinnen Williams: 10/1

In three preseason games, Allen recorded five tackles, four solo. Four of those tackles came vs. Miami on a night he was simply unstoppable:

Josh Allen has been causing havoc this preseason! 😤 @JoshAllen41_ @Jaguars pic.twitter.com/eWtpIrqbP1

— NFL (@NFL) August 27, 2019

Allen will make his NFL debut Sunday at 1 p.m. vs. the Kansas City Chiefs. A live look at him preparing for Patrick Mahomes:

[CBS Sports]