49ers Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott has high praise of Kentucky's Josh Allen

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This was the 15th year that Ronnie Lott's name has been on a college football award.

The 49ers have not drafted any of the previous 14 winners of the Lott IMPACT Trophy. The winner of the award this season was Kentucky edge rusher Josh Allen, and the 49ers have the No. 2 overall draft pick. 

“Yes, he’s got to be on their board,” Lott said, laughing on The 49ers Insider Podcast.

Lott appeared, along with daughter Hailey, to discuss their partnership in a new podcast, The Mind Games, that featured interviews with top professional athletes, including Steve Young and Jerry Rice, who share their tips for reaching peak performance in sports and life.

Lott, a Pro Football Hall of Famer known as one of the great leaders in 49ers history, has his name on an award that honors college football’s defensive best in character and performance. IMPACT stands for integrity, maturity, performance, academics, community and tenacity.

[RELATED: Senior Bowl invites: 49ers to get up-close look at top edge rushers]

Lott appreciated Allen's honesty when he met him.

"Josh Allen told me after he won the award, he goes, 'I had to Google who you were,' " Lott said.

Allen was born in 1997. Lott played his final NFL game in 1994, and he was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000.

Allen won the award over fellow finalists Christian Wilkins (Clemson), Ben Burr-Kirven (Washington) and Ben Humphreys (Duke). Past winners include DeMeco Ryans, J.J. Watt and Luke Kuechly.

Allen, who recorded 17 sacks, is expected to be on the short list of players the 49ers will consider with that No. 2 pick.

“What a wonderful young man,” Lott said. “What a wonderful experience we had. He’s going to play in the National Football League. He’s someone I know for a fact he's going to make a team better because of all the elements that he brings.”

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