Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen is one of the top players at his position in the 2024 NFL Draft and should have plenty of interested teams. Weighing in at 6′-1″ and 235 pounds, Allen is a bruising, physical back with the strength and production to suggest his skills should translate to the professional level. The 2023 season was relatively disappointing, as the running back didn’t fit in Wisconsin’s more modern scheme. However, in 2022, he played hard-nosed football and looked like one of the best backs in the country.
Braelon Allen lacks the burst and deep speed to be fit in every single offense, but he has the potential to be a reliable starter for a handful of run-heavy teams looking for a more physical presence in the backfield. The running back recently posted a workout video, and he happened to be donning the attire of one such team.
RB Braelon Allen wearing Cowboys ✭ shorts during workout… 👀
pic.twitter.com/YFHTtmMdOt— Shoes&Sports (@Shoesnsports_) April 15, 2024
Dallas Cowboys Should Be One of Many Teams Interested In Braelon Allen
It should go without saying that Allen’s wardrobe choices will not singlehandedly decide whether or not the Dallas Cowboys draft him. However, they should be on the short list of teams interested in Braelon Allen – workout clothes notwithstanding. The Cowboys have been one of the least active teams in free agency, watching several starters walk for nothing while signing only one or two outside free agents.
If the season starter today, Dallas would send the running back duo of Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn to relieve the burden on quarterback Dak Prescott. Those two form what is quite possibly the worst group of running backs in the NFL, and the Cowboys need to do something to improve the position. Seeing as Micah Parsons, CeeDee Lamb, and Dak Prescott are all looking for new contracts, Dallas can’t spend up on running backs in free agency, so the 2024 NFL Draft is the only way to acquire more talent.
Braelon Allen is a fan of the Dallas Cowboys, but several teams looking to draft the Wisconsin product. In no particular order, these five organizations could get in the way of Dallas landing the Junior.
Possible Team Fits
Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh wants to run the ball early and often, and he’ll need someone better than Gus Edwards to accomplish that goal. While the former Raven is a fine player, he lacks a high ceiling and is dangerously close to being on the wrong side of 30. While most expect Harbaugh to reunite with Michigan’s Blake Corum, the Chargers should be one of the teams interested in Braelon Allen. Harbaugh loves physical runners, and the Wisconsin product fits that description to a tee.
Houston Texans
The Texans traded for Joe Mixon, but they shouldn’t count on him to be anything more than a short-term league-average starter. The longtime Bengal has started to slow down, and this team could use some young blood at the position. With Dameon Pierce struggling under head coach DeMeco Ryans, Braelon Allen could be a better fit for this scheme.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are stuck with Miles Sanders for one more season, but they don’t have to start him. While Chuba Hubbard is a fine backup, this team could use another option. Seeing as the Panthers have more pressing needs, they could be one of the many teams interested in a mid-round running back like Braelon Allen. If selected, the Wisconsin product should immediately see the field and find some success behind a vastly improved offensive line.
Baltimore Ravens
Derrick Henry is the textbook definition of a bruising, physical running back capable of knocking defenders over with ease. Allen will never be as good as Henry, but the running back has a similar style of play. With Henry also getting up there in age, the Ravens could tag Braelon Allen to be the teams running back of the future.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rachaad White did a remarkable job handling three-down duties for the Buccaneers last year, but he’s not built to handle consecutive 300-touch seasons. White is better receiver than a runner, and pairing him with a downhill force like Braelon Allen would give this team one of the better 1-2 punches in football.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
