Every year, NFL General Managers set out to find the “diamonds in the rough” in the NFL Draft. These are the guys that typically go on Day 3 and develop into long-time starters. The best example in very recent history is the Los Angeles Rams with Puka Nacua. Nacua was taken in the 5th round in the 2023 NFL Draft and proceeded to have 1,486 receiving yards as a rookie. Another wideout who has a chance to make an impact on Day 3 is Cincinnati’s Cyrus Allen. Allen is currently the 172nd-ranked prospect on the LWOS Big Board, which equates to WR25.
Measurements*
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 180 lbs
Arm Length: 31 2/8″
Hand Size: 9 1/8″
*All confirmed at the Senior Bowl
Player Background
Cyrus Allen played football at Landry-Walker High School in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was a 3-star recruit coming out of high school, and he decided to stay local to play for the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. Allen saw action immediately as a freshman in 2022, starting 7 of the 10 games he appeared in. In 2023, he was a full-time starter for LA Tech, starting all 11 games he appeared in. After totaling over 1,200 receiving yards there, Allen decided to transfer to Texas A&M, his motivation being an increase in the competition level. However, Allen didn’t see a whole lot of action in 2024, putting up only 18 receptions, 269 yards, and a single touchdown on 33 targets.
Following this lackluster season, Allen decided to transfer yet again. After initially committing to Tulane, he flipped to Cincinnati and became a Bearcat. This proved to be a wise decision, as he had a monster season, starting all 13 of the team’s games. Allen racked up 49 catches, 661 yards, and 13 touchdowns on 69 targets. His 13 touchdowns tied a school record. He capped off his great year by receiving an invite to the Senior Bowl.
Strengths
- His route-running technique is among the best in the class
- Excels on out-breaking routes (outs, corners)
- Great short-area quickness and acceleration displayed in route running
- This quickness also lets him begin running after the catch very efficiently
- Also exhibits great long speed on fades, as well as after the catch
- Worked through drop issues at LA Tech, only 3 drops over the last two seasons
Weaknesses
- Low play strength limits his ability to break tackles
- Very little high-level experience working in the middle of the field
- Would be very difficult for him to hang on the outside in the NFL due to his frame, probably be just a slot player
- Needs a lot of work as a blocker
Projected Draft Capital: Mid Day 3
Team Fits: Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers
Player Comparison: Malik Washington
Last Word on Cyrus Allen in the 2026 NFL Draft
Cyrus Allen has been a popular “sleeper” candidate as the draft cycle has gone on. It’s hard to disagree with the noise, as there’s a lot to like. As a route-runner, it’s like watching poetry in motion. He clearly understands how to set defensive backs up and take advantage of leverage. He’s exceptionally quick in and out of the break, which also helps him to create after the catch. However, it’s going to be an adjustment at the NFL level if he wants to get on the field. His issues mostly come because of his 180 lb. frame. It prevents him from powering through tackles, from being effective as a blocker, and will most likely limit him to a slot-only role.
