Round 1, No. 15 overall to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
(Photo: Jonathan Bachman, Getty)
"The retirement of star linebacker Lavonte David left an opening that still exists even after the Buccaneers signed Alex Anzalone in free agency. But Anzalone, who will turn 32 in September, is a short-term fix. Allen is a leader in the middle of the defense and a player capable of being a defensive captain and signal-caller in the NFL. He's also a nasty blitzer who is able to hang in coverage when matched up with tight ends. Allen is a polarizing prospect, as some scouts don't love his lack of length at 6-foot-1 and 230 pounds with 31½-inch arms, but his instincts and toughness are elite."
Height: 6-foot-0.5
Weight: 244 pounds
Hand: 10 1/8"
Arm: 31 1/2"
Wingspan: 75 1/2"
NFL.com Overview: "Green dot" linebacker and team captain more capable of rowing the boat than making big splashes. Allen plays with toughness and control, sorting through run fits with patience and leverage in pursuit. He has average trigger quickness and pursuit speed, which forces him to work harder to get to junction points when facing climbing blockers. He has adequate size and strength with good hand strikes to play off blocks. He doesn't blow up blocks or disrupt on the other side of the line all that often, though. He's an effective blitzer with average man-cover talent and is capable on all three downs. Allen is a dependable starting Mike 'backer who raises the floor of a defense.
Comparison: Zaire Franklin
Grade: 6.29
Strength: Stays square and keeps eyes on the prize through the tackle.
Weakness: Isn't going to make as many high-value plays as you might expect
Sources Tell Us: "Gets them lined up, is tough and is a great leader." -- NFC national scout
Read about the rest of his strengths and weaknesses here.