From now until the 2026 NFL Draft, we will scout and create profiles for as many prospects as possible, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and what they can bring to an NFL franchise. These players could be potential top-10 picks, all the way to Day 3 selections, and priority undrafted free agents. Today, a scouting report on Cincinnati WR Cyrus Allen.
#4 CYRUS ALLEN/ WR, CINCINNATI (SENIOR) – 5112, 183 pounds
Pro Day Measurements
Player Ht/Wt Hand Size Arm Length Wingspan
Cyrus Allen 5113/183 9 1/8 30 7/8 73 5/8
40-Yard Dash 10-Yard Dash Short Shuttle 3-Cone
4.51 1.56 4.17 6.90
Broad Jump Vertical Bench Press
11’0” 36 14
The Good
— Solid size, length, and hand size
— Played in the slot and outside
— Used on full route tree and on all three levels
— Good acceleration off the line of scrimmage
— Creates space with athleticism and manipulation
— Good awareness versus zone coverage to find the openings
— Hands are very good when stationary or on the move
— Good after the catch and dangerous in space
— Has experience as a kick returner earlier in his career
The Bad
— Use of hands versus jam at the line of scrimmage need to be more consistent
— Needs to be more physical within routes to not get rerouted
— Overall play strength is marginal
— Not a winner on 50/50 balls
— Tracking underthrown balls on deep routes
— Poor at breaking tackles
— Technique and effort as a blocker need improvement
Stats
— 44 games/23 starts
— Career: 137 receptions, 2,221 yards, 16.2 YPR, 22 TDs, 14 carries, 20 yards; 12 KR for 247 yards
— 2025: 51 receptions, 674 yards, 13.2 YPR, 13 TDs, 7 carries, 20 yards
— Led the Big 12 in touchdown receptions in 2025
— 2022-2023 at Louisiana Tech, 2024 at Texas A&M, 2025 at Cincinnati
— 2024: Started five games and ranked fifth on the team in receptions
— 18 starts at Louisiana Tech
— Ranked fifth in receiving yards in the Conference USA in 2023
— Seven career 100-yard games with a game high of 170 in 2023
— Led all FBS freshmen with 10 plays of 30 or more yards in 2022
— Senior Bowl invitee
Injury History
— 2024: Season-ending arm injury in November against New Mexico State
Background
— Ranked a 3-star recruit by Rivals, 247Sports and ESPN
— Listed as 17th-best player in Louisiana by ESPN in the 2021 class
— Ranked as the 30th-best player in the state of Louisiana by 247sports.com
— Played at Landry-Walker High School in New Orleans
— Caught 25 passes for 458 yards and nine touchdowns as a sophomore
— Also played basketball growing up
Tape Breakdown
Cyrus Allen is a well-traveled fourth-year receiver of solid height, arm length, and hand size with adequate weight. For the Bearcats, he played primarily in the slot but lined up outside as well. He was used on all three levels and has some kick-returning experience though he hasn’t done it in two years.
In the passing game, he has very good acceleration off the line of scrimmage against off coverage and gets up to speed quickly. Versus press, he uses good agility and quickness to avoid the jam. To create separation, he will use quickness out of his breaks or manipulation that includes varying his speed, pressing his routes and head-and-shoulder fakes.
On deep routes, he has the acceleration to win over the top. Out of his break, he keeps his speed and gets his head around quickly.
Against zone coverage, Allen understands spacing and is adept at finding the soft spots. Not afraid to work over the middle, he can make the catch and take a hit.
His hands are very good plucking the ball cleanly when stationary or on the move. He adjusts well to balls around his frame and has good sideline awareness. After the catch, he uses good acceleration to gain yards after the catch.
Occasionally, he was used to run the ball, usually on fly sweep or reverses, but had marginal success.
As a blocker, he made an effort to get between the defender and the ball.
His use of hands against the jam at the line of scrimmage is inconsistent Additionally, at the break point and within the route he is adequate with his hands to keep defenders off him. His play strength is marginal and can be rerouted by defenders. Contested catches were not a strong suit for him and he was adequate tracking underthrown deep throws. He was poor at breaking tackles and rarely added yards after contact. When blocking, he lacked the play strength or technique to be consistently effective.
Conclusion
Allen is primarily a slot receiver with solid size and length with adequate weight. He ran a diverse route tree and had success on all three levels. He uses his speed and acceleration well off the line and can create space with manipulation or athleticism. Adept at finding space versus zone coverage, he is willing to work over the middle. His hands are very good, and he accelerates quickly for yards after the catch.
Areas to improve include his use of hands at the line of scrimmage and within the route. Adding play strength would be advantageous for handing physical defenders and for gaining yards after contact. Improving technique as a blocker would also be helpful.
Allen is a good route runner and knows how to get open. He is effortless with his hands when catching the ball and his burst makes him dangerous in the open field. A role as a slot receiver who can be used on all three levels gives him scheme flexibility. If he gets back to returning kicks, his value will grow even more.
For a player comp, I’ll go with Jalen Nailor. Both are capable of creating space with good acceleration and the ability to win over the top. Each can gain yards after the catch with room to add play strength and get better in contested areas.
NFL Projection: Late Day 3Steelers Depot Grade: 7.4 (Spot Starter)Grade Range: 6.8 – 8.0Games Watched: 2025 – Vs Nebraska, At Kansas, At Oklahoma State, Vs Arizona, Vs BYU
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