Wisconsin Football: NFL Draft Profile for Badgers RB Braelon Allen

The NFL Draft is almost here and many Wisconsin football fans want to see where their favorite Badgers will play at the next level. Running back Braelon Allen could be the first Badger taken in the draft.

The thing with the NFL Draft is that it can be unpredictable. Some players can be taken way ahead of what the experts think, while some sure-fire prospects could fall for various reasons.

In a relatively weak running back class, the Wisconsin football star could be one of the first taken at his position.

To get us ready for the 2024 NFL Draft, here is Allen’s draft profile, including his measurables, scouting reports, and draft projections.

Measurables for Wisconsin Football Star Braelon Allen

Allen was invited to the NFL Combine but only took part in some workouts, including bench press, vertical jump, and the broad jump. He didn’t do agility drills at the Wisconsin football pro day either. Instead, he ran routes and did on-field drills.

NFL Scouting Combine Results (ranking)

Height: 6’1″
Weight: 235 lbs
Arm Length: 31 ¼”
Hand Size: 9 ¼”
—
40-Yard Dash: —
10-Yard Split: —
Vertical Jump: 32″ (19th)
Broad Jump: 9′ 9″ (15th)
3-Cone Drill: —
20-Yard Shuttle: —
Bench Press: 26 reps (2nd)

During an interview at his pro day, Allen sent a message to everyone wondering why he didn’t run his 40-yard dash at the combine or his pro day.

No I am 100%, but the time frame to properly train for the 40 and shuttles was too small of a window for me to perform the way I would have wanted to, due to my ankle injury. Sorry to all the 40 yard dash warriors but we’ll let the tape talk. https://t.co/vdUNQD181n

— Braelon Allen (@BraelonAllen) March 16, 2024

Because he did not participate in many of the agility drills, Allen had an incomplete athletic profile.

He didn’t receive a relative athletic score (RAS) because of that, but NFL.com’s Next Gen Stats gave him an estimated athleticism score of 81, which puts him at No. 7 among all running backs. That score combined with his production score, he was given a total score of 75, which again, would place him seventh in his position.

What Draft Experts are Saying about Braelon Allen

Unless you are a consensus top pick, NFL draft experts are all going to have different opinions on a player. The Wisconsin football star is no different. Some view him as a top-5 back in the league while others have him around No. 10.

Here are a few of the takes on Allen from around the internet.

Lance Zierlein – NFL.com

“Allen’s splashy entry into college football had evaluators excited about what the end product might look like, but now there are more questions than answers. Allen has rare size on an imposing frame, and his production is nothing to scoff at. Evaluators will need to rely more heavily on his 2022 tape, where he ran with better decisiveness and instincts in a pro-style running attack. He’s built to be a banger but needs to embrace a consistently physical style, as he lacks the footwork and hips to elude defenders with finesse. Allen will compete for a role as a two-down backup but could bolster his chances for success if he plays at a lighter weight, to improve his quickness.”

NFL Comp: Michael Bush

Damian Parson – The Draft Network

“Braelon Allen has the look of an NFL starting running back. His game is predicated on power and physicality. Allen is at his best squarely attacking the line of scrimmage and getting downhill quickly. Placing him inside a gap/power scheme is the ideal route to get the most out of his talents. He has good open-field speed once he breaks past the 1st and 2nd lines of defense. His vision is adequate to find rushing lanes between the tackles. Allen’s combination of footwork, vision, and patience allows him to follow blocks to daylight. One of his best traits is his run power and contact balance to create yards after contact. 

Allen’s NFL projection is a gap scheme starting running back. He can lead a stable with a more equipped pass catcher for third-down action. Allen’s combination of youth, power, and NFL frame makes him an enticing scheme-specific prospect. “

Draft Projections for Braelon Allen

As I previously said, opinions on players can vary drastically throughout the NFL Draft community. Here’s a quick look at where Allen ranks and/or is projected to be drafted.

Derrik Klassen – Bleacher Report NFL Scout 
Grade: 7.0 (High-Level Backup/Potential Starter)
Position Ranking: 4th
Projection: 3rd Round

NFL.com – Next Gen Stats
Grade: 6.10 (Good Backup With The Potential To Develop Into Starter)

Pro Football Focus
Positional Ranking: 9th
Projection: Mid-round Pick

NFL Draft Buzz
Grade: 83.4/100
Position Ranking: 8th
Projection: 4th Round

DraftScout.com
Projection: 3-4th Round

Overall, most media outlets tend to think the Wisconsin football product will be a late Day 2 or early Day 3 selection.

Allen leaves the Wisconsin Badgers ranked ninth in career rushing yards (3,494) and 11th in rushing touchdowns (35) in just 35 career games.

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