"Defensive Tackle sized edge guy with uncommon suddenness. Plays bigger and more explosive than he tested."
Strengths:
Large, DT sized edge guy with uncommon suddenness and change of direction. Physical and uses his large hands and good length well. Sheds quickly and attacks the ball.
Bows up at the poa. Dominates the edge vs the run. A finisher with good closing quickness as a rusher. Aware and quick to diagnose. Gets his hands up swat balls.
Weaknesses:
Doesn't have the speed to consistently turn the corner. Needs to win with his hands to generate pressure. Good mobility for a 285 DE but lacks some lateral quickness and will get shook by elusiveness in space. Limited range despite a big motor.
Lacks experience lining up inside. Regularly nicked up with nagging injuries including an ankle that took him off the field in December. Didn't test as well at the combine as he looks on film.
Two short clips here show Allen at RDE demonstrating short area quickness on his rush and bowing up vs the run.
Overall:
Allen's mobility, size and playmaking at 6'5 275-85 are impossible to miss. He diagnoses quickly and gets after the ball carrier. Looks like a prototype 5 technique despite primarily being an edge guy for BC. I think he could still produce as an edge guy due to his shedding ability, anticipation and closing quickness but teams will certainly tag him for the 5 spot.
NFL Comp: Derek Wolfe