Washington’s NFL team selected former Alabama defensive end Jonathan Allen, nabbing arguably the best defensive player in the country with the No. 17 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft on April 27 in Philadelphia.

Alabama’s Jonathan Allen poses after being selected by the Washington Redskins during the first round of the 2017 NFL football draft, Thursday, April 27, 2017, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Many analysts predicted Allen wouldn’t be available in the latter half of Round 1, but medical concerns about the 6-foot-3-inch, 286-pound athlete’s arthritic shoulders caused 16 teams to pass on the unanimous first-team All-American. However, after an extensive evaluation, it was determined that Allen’s injuries may not affect him until the later stages of his career, and Washington walked away with arguably the biggest steal of the draft.

Allen attended Stone Bridge High School in Loudoun County, Va., located just 10 minutes away from Washington’s practice facility. The Alabama senior—widely considered the best defensive player on the best defensive team in the nation—won the Bednarik trophy this year as the country’s top defender.

In 2016, Washington drafted wide receiver Josh Doctson in the first round, rather than investing in their defensive line. However, with defensive end Chris Baker departing for Tampa Bay, it was impossible for Washington to pass on the explosive, versatile Allen.

Allen led Alabama last season with 10.5 sacks and 16 tackles for a loss. In Washington, Allen will be a huge factor against the run game. As a proven three-down player, he is flexible across various defensive schemes and knows how to use his hands to gain leverage. His athleticism and versatility are his biggest strengths, and his solid speed burst, combined with an arsenal of varied attacks, can be overwhelming for opposing interior offensive linemen. Allen will provide an instant boost to a team that desperately needs a disruptive force on defense.

Washington hadn’t selected a defensive player in the first round since Ryan Kerrigan in 2011, but if Allen produces like he did in Alabama, they will have made the right decision.

As for Allen, who grew up watching Washington’s NFL team, the reality of returning to his hometown still seems like a dream.

“It’ a blessing,” Allen told local sports radio station 106.7 The Fan. “This is something you only read about in books. It doesn’t seem real.”

With a player of Allen’s caliber falling to No. 17, it’s safe to say Washington was blessed as well.