The Next Derrick Henry: Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin

Wisconsin running back (RB) Braelon Allen will be turning twenty years old a few months before the 2024 NFL Draft.

Backs do not last long in today’s game, but that may not be the case for this young man. He’s been durable playing in 12 games in 2022, 11 games in 2021, and seven games so far this season.

Allen is the man you want on your offense to be able to create that balance between the run-and-pass game that NFL teams strive for.

Overview: Braelon Allen

6-foot-2, 245 pounds

40 Time: 4.40 (nfldraftbuzz.com)

2022 Stats: 230 carries – 1,242 yards (5.4 yards per carry), 11 TDs

Level of Competition: Medium

Colton Edwards Grade: First Round (2023 Fall Report)

2022 Film Evaluated: Ohio State, Michigan State & Nebraska

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report:

Prototypical NFL running back with power and vision behind the line of scrimmage. Playmaker. RB1 in this draft class. He’s an excellent downhill runner. He runs with meaning to always fight for that extra yard while having the natural balance to stay upright against any contact. Allen has developed the ability to find a hole through tight spaces if needed. He shows a good initial burst and he finds the second gear in the second level. Can finish through traffic, especially in short-yardage situations. His consistency is due to always having a low pad level to run through his defenders. Low fumble numbers.

He may not be the “dual threat” back that some people look for due to his lack of production in the receiving game (44 college career receptions over three seasons to date), but he’s capable of getting upfield on screens and check-downs. Within the passing game, his best ability is being that extra protection for the quarterback. There is an argument he’s the best pass-blocking running back in the draft.

Summary:

Allen is on pace in 2023 to have a historic season racking close to six yards per carry consistently. That is unheard of at any level of football. His balance, vision, and his character are essential for success at the next level. Allen is truly a difference maker with his smooth quick feet, effective cuts, and runs controlled on his base. With his natural balance and vision, he can pick through traffic, high step out of a low tackle, or cut and accelerate to the perimeter. History states that big-bodied backs are north runners only but Allen’s best quality is that he exceeds the stereotypes about his size to be a multi-tool runner. His ability to cut the chains in half after a first down play is a huge boost to any offense schematically. It sets up the offensive coordinator to make easier calls on 2nd and 3rd downs.

Who will he remind us of?

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry

Colton just graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science at the United States Sports Academy. He has previous coaching experience as a former offense and defensive line coach at a local high school. While performing those duties, he also worked at PFF( Pro Football Focus) for a brief moment of time. He currently develops scouting reports here at firstroundmock.com. His aspirations are to become an NFL Scout/GM in the future.