Some brothers hug, other brothers line up together on a Big Ten offensive line. Brian and Jack Allen did that for two seasons, in 2014 and 2015. While older brother Jack was earning All-American honors those two years, Allen started off as a part-time starter and key reserve as a true freshman. He earned freshman All-American notice while playing in 12 games, starting once at left guard. Big Ten coaches named him second-team All-Conference the next season, when he started 10 games at left guard and two at
center (for Jack when he was out due to injury). After Jack headed to the NFL, Brian was again an All-Conference pick (third team) by league coaches after showing a strong anchor and very good mobility and footwork while starting at three spots (first three and final two games at left guard, center for two games, right guard for five games). He was a second-team All-Big Ten pick as a senior, starting all 13 games as the leader in the middle of a young line of first-year starters.
Overview
Allen's toughness and strength at the point of attack will endear him to offensive line coaches, but his physical limitations and likely "center-only" designation could hurt his draft standing. Allen is a grinder who needs to find a team with a running game that fits his makeup. Allen's power and ability to generate some movement in the running game give him a good shot of making a roster and sticking with a club.
Strengths
- Will not back down from physical challenges
- Holds up well despite being a little squatty
- Championship high school wrestler with core power and plus leverage
- Will torque engaged defenders to the ground with hip torque
- Possesses good bend and unlocks into opponent at point of attack
- Runs feet through contact for improved block security
- Plays with good contact balance and a consistent base throughout rep
- Can handle himself as a base blocker and offers good pop with down blocks
- Loves to finish blocks with a message
- Has good flexion in ankles to help him set his anchor in pass pro
- Has starting experience at both guard spots and center
Weaknesses
- Foot quickness and overall athleticism is below average
- Snap to step quickness needs improvement
- May be limited to more gap and power running schemes
- Could struggle if asked to wander too far from the phone booth
- Inconsistent hit rate when moving from first to second level targets
- Lack of length becomes obvious when matched against opponent who can race into neutral zone off snap
- Uses wide hands to corral rather efficient punch into opponents framework
- Needs to be fast and first with hands or his power can be nullified
- Will need punch and pass off twisting linemen more quickly on next level
Sources Tell Us
"We call that dude 'Bully of the Big Ten' because he is always bringing it to somebody each and every game. He's got that Alpha mentality because he comes from that kind of family. He might get drafted late but he'll make a team." – NFC area scout
Lance Zierlein (NFL.COM)