Position: Defensive end
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 281 pounds
School: Boston College Eagles
Combine Performance Data
40-yard dash: 5.0 seconds
Bench press: 24 reps
Vertical jump: 32.0”
Broad Jump: 112.0”
20-yard shuttle: 4.36 seconds
Zach Allen 2019 NFL Draft Profile
Boston College isn’t known for being one of the top powerhouse schools in the country, but Eagles’ pass rusher Zach Allen is still one of the best in the class. Allen enters the 2019 NFL Draft on the heels of a productive senior season in which he recorded 61 tackles, 15 tackles-for-loss, and 6.5 sacks. His play earned him Second-Team All-ACC honors as a true Senior.
Allen initially entered Boston College as a three-star recruit. Making his way onto the team as a true freshman, Allen appeared in just two games while recording two tackles. The New Canaan native added weight as a sophomore and broke out onto the national radar. Allen played in 10 games as a sophomore, compiling 36 tackles, 10 tackles-for-loss, and six sacks.
Allen continued to develop into a better-rounded player as a junior. While he only recorded four sacks during his third season, the defensive end recorded 100 tackles and 15.5 tackles-for-loss. In total, Allen finished his four-year college career with 199 tackles, 40.5 tackles-for-loss, and 16.5 sacks. Additionally, Allen added four fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and two interceptions during his collegiate tenure.
Strengths
- fantastic motor shows on nearly every play;
- elite awareness and play recognition skills;
- already has NFL-caliber upper body strength;
- plus run defender capable of setting the edge and making tackles in the backfield;
- high football IQ and understanding of the game;
- capable of moving all across the defensive front;
- good instincts for when to put his hands in the passing lane and go for the deflected pass.
Weaknesses
- mediocre athleticism;
- diagnoses play quickly but subpar lateral movement sometimes leads to missed opportunities;
- arm length shorter than desired;
- struggles in pursuit due to subpar sideline-to-sideline range;
- needs to refine pass-rushing moves;
- can be eaten up and struggle to separate from larger offensive lineman.
NFL Comparison: Jonathan Allen
Teams With Need at Position: Oakland Raiders, Atlanta Falcons, Cincinnati Bengals, Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots
Projection: Round Two
Bottom Line
Allen is a high-motor player who is one of the best in his class against the run. Starring on a Boston College defensive line without much talent around him, Allen’s cerebral ability to diagnose a play sticks out on film. Boasting unmatched effort, Allen excels at setting the edge and getting running backs behind the line of scrimmage and has flashed some pass-rushing ability. Additionally, Allen has the ability to push move inside on passing downs.
Unfortunately, Allen doesn’t quite have the athleticism to put him in the elite ranks of this class. His arms are a bit shorter than you’d like and his stiff hips limit his speed off the edge. His pass rushing ability was good enough to beat collegiate talent, but he’ll need to refine his technique to consistently beat NFL-caliber tackles.
Ultimately, Allen should immediately fit in on a defensive line rotation. While he shouldn’t start as a rookie, he has a chance to develop into an above-average starter if everything breaks right. His relatively underwhelming athleticism will stop him from being an All-Pro caliber guy, but his motor and football I.Q. will ensure he has an NFL job for quite some time.
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