Braelon Allen RB Wisconsin: Scouting Report

Height: 6’2

Weight: 245

Overall

Braelon Allen is a big, powerful running back in Wisconsin’s now balanced offense. In his 3 seasons with the Badgers, he played in 35 games with 24 starts. Throughout his career he has dealt with multiple injuries causing him to miss games including a shoulder strain and multiple ankle injuries which will come from his tough running style. He had very good production over all 3 seasons and was a focal point for Wisconsin’s offense.

Run Game

Allen is a powerful back and shows the ability to make small jump cuts behind the line of scrimmage to dodge penetrating defenders. Often though when defenders get in the backfield he is unable to escape and is often tackled for a loss or no gain. He has good vision and does a good job of following his blockers on power runs. He runs top heavy and lacks balance making it difficult for him to break tackles at the line of scrimmage. He does a good job of driving his feet when in a pile to gain extra yards but he is tackled for minimal gain by the first defender way too often on film. He lacks explosiveness and acceleration to get up the field quickly but when he gets a full head of steam at the 2nd level he is very hard to bring down. Once he reaches top speed he consistently breaks arm tackles and he has the power to lower his shoulder and truck defenders in his path. He lacks true home-run hitting speed but he has the speed to get to the edge and outrun linebackers. He runs hard and makes big plays once he gets past the line of scrimmage but he lacks the elusiveness and playmaking ability to make something out of nothing when the play breaks down early. He also had 2 bad fumbles against Ohio State this past season which is concerning moving forward.

Pass Game

In the pass game, Allen has sufficient hands and was often used as an outlet receiver or on screens. When he gets blocks on screen plays he can get up field and gain good yardage but he struggles breaking tackles immediately after the catch. He lacks the speed and quickness to be an effective route runner down the field and will be limited to short routes in the NFL. As a pass blocker, he has the size and physicality to pick up blitzing defenders effectively but he needs to improve his technique to square up with the defender and use his hands to block rather than attacking them with his shoulder.  

Last Word

Allen is a powerful running back and projects best in a power run scheme where he can follow his blockers and gain good yardage at the 2nd level. His lack of playmaking ability and issues breaking tackles at the line of scrimmage will be a major issue if he plays behind an underperforming offensive line. His size and experience as a pass-blocker will make him valuable on 3rd downs and if he continues to develop as a receiver he can be a good outlet option as well. His size and physicality should make him an immediate contributor on Special Teams.

One-Liner: Braelon Allen is a big, powerful back who is tough to bring down once he gets up to full speed but his lack of playmaking ability will result in him being used in a committee and on short yardage plays in the pros.

Grade: 6.2 (Backup All 3 Downs)

Games Watched: 2023 - Washington State, Buffalo, Purdue, Illinois, Ohio State

Team Fits: Tennessee Titans, Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens