Player Bio
Allen grew up in Georgia, where his father, John, played football for the Bulldogs. The Region 6-AAA Defensive Player of the Year signed with Clemson, and played in 15 games as a true freshman for the Tigers (5-53-10.6, one start). He caught four touchdown passes off the bench in 2020 (16-247-15.4 in 12 games) before starting 10 of 13 games played (28-208-7.4, three TDs) his junior year. Allen had his best season in 2022, grabbing 39 passes for 443 yards (11.4) and five touchdowns in 14 starts to garner third-team All-ACC accolades. — by Chad Reuter
Analysis
By Lance Zierlein NFL Analyst
Draft Projection Round 5
NFL Comparison Harrison Bryant
Overview
There is nothing particularly exciting about watching Allen get into and through his routes, but the magic happens once the ball goes up. Allen is a human vacuum, using instinctive body positioning, mid-air adjustments and exceptional catch focus for consistent 50/50 wins. He isn’t much of a route separator, but he secures a high number of contested throws. The blocking technique is good, but the size and strength are just OK by NFL standards for in-line tight ends. Allen’s success will be determined by his ability to improve his routes or find a scheme that can free him to do his thing as a pass-catcher.
Strengths
- Consistent production and play over last three seasons.
- Sound hands and feet as base blocker.
- Uses positioning to create clearance in space.
- Sustains with proper base and foot chop.
- Ball skills are rare for his position.
- Makes athletic, mid-air grabs.
- Feels defender and keeps him boxed out.
- Focus through congestion is exceptional.
Weaknesses
- Lacks ideal mass near the point of attack.
- Below average pop in pads as lead blocker.
- Power plays across his seal-block attempts.
- Can use better hand fighting inside the route.
- Routes run at monotonous pace.