FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen.

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• 2024 NFL Mock Draft: First Round Picks & Predictions

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report:

Braelon Allen (RB – Wisconsin)

6’2” – 245 lbs.

Background:

Four-star recruit who was initially projected to play defense, but who ended up being needed at running back due to injuries and transfers. Finished the year with 186-1,268-12 (6.8) and splitting carries essentially evenly with Chez Mellusi (174). Rushed for 230-1,242-11 (5.4) the following year after solidifying himself as the lead back, then touched the ball a bit less this past year before declaring (181-984-12, 5.4). Also caught 28-132-0 this year.

Positives:

Has been highly productive over the past three seasons in an offense which has featured a solid mix of zone/gap concepts (more zone this year). Yards after contact increased in 2023, as did rate of missed tackles forced. Easily the biggest back in the class, and will be one of the biggest in the league, with excellent musculature. Plays the game with physicality and intelligence. Sound decision-maker who executes the play as called. Has nimble feet for his size, showing the ability to make the first man miss relatively consistently, even in the backfield. Has pretty good lateral quickness to shuffle and elude defenders. Shows adequate burst when he finds a lane. Runs through arm tackles easily. Can overwhelm smaller second-level defenders with his raw size. Gets low and finishes runs with authority. Offers a reliable pair of hands as a receiver. Frequently retained in pass pro and has an ideal frame for that role. Looks alert in pass pro, with the willingness to stick his nose in and the anchor strength to absorb power.

Negatives:

Output dipped each year in school, and overall efficiency slightly did as well. Projects as more of a chunk runner than home-run hitter at the next level. Pad level can be higher than what you’d like. Technique protects his legs pretty well, but size means defenders are going to go low consistently. Usage as a receiver was on delayed releases into the flats, relatively simple. Doesn’t always engage with a solid base and proper form as a blocker; tendency to leave his feet or lunge should be corrected.

Summary:

A modern power back who combines a massive frame and excellent power with discipline and more quickness than anticipated. May be slightly taller than you’d like in a pro back, but looks like an easy projection to the league as the power back in a rotation. Experience in both zone- and gap-based schemes should help him out. Could sneak into the second day, but should definitely be in consideration when the third day begins.

Projection: Round 3-4