Running Backs

Braelon Allen NFL Draft Preview

By William Spencer

Posted on April 10, 2024

The running back prospects heading into the 2024 NFL draft will garner some interest from NFL teams. The question is when will those prospects get drafted? It’s possible that there may not even be a running back drafted in the first round because of the respective needs various NFL clubs will have to address with their first overall picks. While wide receivers, offensive linemen, and quarterbacks may jump off the page early during the draft first, that doesn’t mean the running back position will be a complete washout. There are plenty of interesting running backs that will push NFL starters for playing time once they land on a squad.

One in particular that stands out is running back Braelon Allen. Allen, a Wisconsin Badger from 2021- present, didn’t begin his college football journey as a running back but initially was a defensive player. Allen would announce his reclassification to the 2021 recruiting class and go from defense to offense, embracing his new start at running back. After starting on the special teams unit for the Badgers during his rookie season, the team saw fellow freshman running back Jalen Berger plus three other running backs transfer from the team, allowing Allen to mix in with starter Chez Mellusi. After Mellusi went down with a season-ending injury, Allen established himself as the starter and didn’t look back. 

Allen rushed for back-to-back 1,200+ yards in 2021 and 2022 averaging over five yards per carry in both seasons. Allen did see a dip in production in 2023, as Allen rushed for 984 yards but still averaged over five yards per carry. Braelon Allen finished with 3,494 rushing and 35 touchdowns before declaring for the 2024 draft and averaged 5.9 yards per carry throughout his college tenure. 

Measurables

• 6’2″, 235lbs
• Vertical Jump – 32
• Broad Jump – 9ft, 9 in. 
• 40 time – n/a
• Bench Reps – 26

Positives

Now these are the kinds of running back measurables I like seeing out of my running backs. Braelon Allen stands at a healthy 6’2″, 235 lbs. This kid looks like he’s built to bang in the trenches running between the tackles and he can bounce off contact for more yards. Allen looks tough to stop in “goal to go” situations, punishing defenders that may meet him in the hole to score. Allen shows decent patience allowing his offensive lineman to develop rushing lanes for him. I can see why Allen averaged over five yards per carry in college with his rushing style. 

Allen’s speed is another plus area for the budding running back. While he isn’t going to cook most defenders in the secondary with game-breaking speed, what Allen does offer shouldn’t be scoffed at. Allen can break away from most linebackers for big gains before being tackled and he won’t always go down with the first hit. 

Negatives

The biggest thing with Braelon Allen is that he lacks that “wiggle” you would want running backs to have. Allen hasn’t shown that ability to break a defender down in open space. Either he’s going to try to run past the defender or run the defender over. Allen can add that element to his game at the next level but it could be something that teams consider when taking him. Allen also wasn’t used much as a pass catcher. While he can catch out of the backfield, as he showcased during his pro day, Allen only had 49 catches for 275 yards while with the Wisconsin Badgers. 

Allen is also still dealing with a high ankle injury he suffered in his final year in Wisconsin which kept him from running his 40-yarder at his pro day. Another concern teams could have is that could impact Allen’s draft stock. 

Grade: B- 

Braelon Allen’s size and frame are pluses for his draft value and his game speed looks above average. Allen’s willingness to be patient for holes to develop so that he can put his foot in the ground and hit the hole with speed is great to see. And should the lane not be there, Allen has shown the ability to improvise and bounce out of trouble and Allen bouncing outside is not what opposing defenses want to see. Allen can hit the open field and use his speed to break off chuck plays which is another notch in his belt. Allen’s shortcomings in the passing game (or his lack of usage as a pass-catcher) might bite him, reducing him to a two-down back. Allen has to improve that part of his game if he wants to stand out. 

Allen’s lack of shiftiness is also a detractor. Allen may not be “D’Andre Swift shifty” but he will need to evolve his rushing style with a move or two that will allow him to shake off defenders before contact in the open field. If Allen can make a guy miss with a move instead of trying to shake a guy down with a stiff arm or a contact blow, Allen will be an even more dangerous running back at the NFL level. Allen is considered the RB6, according to Fantasypros dynasty ranks, and 22nd overall among the rookie crop. Allen will likely be a running back you can grab in the second round in 12-team dynasty leagues. If you’re looking to grab a running back later in the draft, Allen should be on your radar.