Film Watched: Kentucky 2020, Tennessee 2020, South Carolina 2019
Pro's:
Rocked up edge rusher with NFL-ready frame and mass
Experience playing rusher as both a defensive end and outside linebacker at Alabama
Good length which he uses to full extension
Has all the physical tools – can sink his hips, dig his heels in and absorb down blocks
Comfortable setting the edge and funnelling run plays inside
Good upper body strength to control contact, staying off blocks or stacking & shedding when needed
Modest burst, but good acceleration and converts speed to power well at contact
Non-stop motor and will challenge pocket durability until the whistle
Con's:
Brutal injury history has seen nearly two full seasons lost in Tuscaloosa
Under-developed instincts understandable considering just 19 games under his belt
Doesn’t catch blockers on their heels with burst, and can be nullified early on snaps
Hand technique a work in progress – yet to marry hand counters or pass rush moves
Loses sight of the football in the backfield and compromises gap integrity as a result
The Verdict:
“Trying to figure out just what Christopher Allen offers the NFL is a challenging projection. Firstly, teams will have to come to terms with his medical history, which includes serious knee and foot injuries - the latter which occurred week one last season, since which we haven’t seen him play again. Beyond that, it’s all about upside, because Allen hasn’t had the snaps necessary to hone his game. But in what little tape there is you can see the Alabama effect clearly; Allen flashes physicality with intensity, making big plays when you don’t expect them. His athletic profile is still unknown, but we will learn more after his pro day on April 13th, where he will participate in drills. Until then, Allen remains a risk-reward prospect ideally suited for a 3-4 defense looking for depth plus potential on day three.”
PREVIOUSLY THE FOUNDER OF NFL DRAFT UK, SIMON HAS BEEN COVERING COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND THE NFL DRAFT SINCE 2009. BASED IN MANCHESTER, SIMON IS ALSO CO-CREATOR & WEEKLY GUEST OF THE COLLAPSING POCKET PODCAST.