California wide receiver Keenan Allen
Prospect: Keenan Allen, WR, University of California
Measurables: 6’3”, 210 lbs
Strengths: Allen is a big-bodied, physical, possession-type receiver that offenses covet. While he’s not the No. 1 to stretch the field a la Julio Jones, a better comparison may be to Dez Bryant. Allen finished the 2012 season with 61 catches for 737 yards and 6 touchdowns. He’s projected as a top 10 prospect and the number one wideout in a class that doesn’t have a clear-cut leader. A more than adequate run blocker, runs good, crisp routes and has decent hands with a pretty big catch radius. Not afraid to go up and high point the ball and out-position defenders. Think Alshon Jeffery here. He has excellent run after the catch ability and is physical enough to run through tackles. A classic No. 2, Allen can run the short and intermediate routes; perfect against cover one. Arguably had his most complete game against the Buckeyes back in September at the Horseshoe.
Weaknesses: Allen missed the last three games of his junior year and certainly didn’t benefit from sub-standard quarterback play at Cal which many believed inhibited his production as a junior. Needs to maintain better body awareness when looking in passes and occasionally has the case of the dropsies particularly in coverage. Since young receivers typically have a big adjustment to the NFL level, particularly against press coverage and achieving separation, he’s going to need all the off-season conditioning he can get. Isn’t the greatest leaper but still can use his big body to out physical defenders. Doesn’t have the blazing fast speed and needs to improve on his run blocking particularly if he’s drafted by a team that utilizes the zone/read option offense that seems to be the hot trend in the league right now.
Projection: Allen is projected to be a mid to late first round pick in April’s Draft.
Prospect Profile completed by:
Marc Lucoff is DraftInsider’s Head Scout of WR/DB’s
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