Allen Bailey of Miami ~ 6.3/285
"A unique prospect who lines up both inside and out and possesses a good-looking frame with good overall strength and a good first step off the snap. Looks natural when asked to sit into his stance, keep his base down and fire off the football. Exhibits an impressive first step for a guy his size and possesses the type of natural flexibility to keep his pad level down when asked to get up the field while maintaining his balance and generating good power into contact. Isn't a guy who can consistently threaten the corner in the NFL.
And is most effective as a push/pull guy who routinely is able to get under opposing linemen and drive them into the backfield on his bull. Does a nice job creating natural leverage for himself into contact and has some change of direction skills to his game. However, struggles with his hand usage too often, gets hung up on the outside and really has a tough time being violent and sudden with his hands in order to fight his way off blocks as a pass rusher. Is also inconsistent extending his arms into blocks and at times will wait until he is engaged.
Needs to do a better job getting off the snap count on time. Has a tendency to at times be one of the last defensive linemen moving off the ball, which really takes away from his effectiveness. Isn't the most instinctive defensive linemen at this stage, either, as he fails to consistently read his run/pass keys off the snap and will take himself out of some key plays trying to make his way up the field. Nevertheless, has the type of lower body strength to anchor vs. the run on the outside and is a good enough player to work from the backside and make plays in pursuit. Is long and powerful in his upper body, but can be inconsistent at times with his ability to stack and shed due to his poor hands, violence and technique.
Impression: As a size/speed athlete the guy has the skill set to be as good as he wants in the NFL. However, he isn't the most aware of prospects, struggles to use his hands to fend off blocks and looks limited to more of a one-gapping three-technique DT to me. Might be more of jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none type guy. Looks overrated because of his physical skill set."
And is most effective as a push/pull guy who routinely is able to get under opposing linemen and drive them into the backfield on his bull. Does a nice job creating natural leverage for himself into contact and has some change of direction skills to his game. However, struggles with his hand usage too often, gets hung up on the outside and really has a tough time being violent and sudden with his hands in order to fight his way off blocks as a pass rusher. Is also inconsistent extending his arms into blocks and at times will wait until he is engaged.
Needs to do a better job getting off the snap count on time. Has a tendency to at times be one of the last defensive linemen moving off the ball, which really takes away from his effectiveness. Isn't the most instinctive defensive linemen at this stage, either, as he fails to consistently read his run/pass keys off the snap and will take himself out of some key plays trying to make his way up the field. Nevertheless, has the type of lower body strength to anchor vs. the run on the outside and is a good enough player to work from the backside and make plays in pursuit. Is long and powerful in his upper body, but can be inconsistent at times with his ability to stack and shed due to his poor hands, violence and technique.
Impression: As a size/speed athlete the guy has the skill set to be as good as he wants in the NFL. However, he isn't the most aware of prospects, struggles to use his hands to fend off blocks and looks limited to more of a one-gapping three-technique DT to me. Might be more of jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none type guy. Looks overrated because of his physical skill set."
"Pass Rush: At least moderate initial burst off the snap. Enough speed to challenge the offensive tackle's outside shoulder, but isn't a speed rusher capable of turning the corner consistently. Flashes some counter moves, including a swim technique, but doesn't use it often enough. Relies mostly on his speed and a bull-rush to pressure the quarterback. Long arms, and is able to keep blockers away from his frame. Good lateral agility, balance and surprising speed to chase down the passer if given a lane. Has to do a better job of getting his hands up in the passing lanes.
Run Defense: Has good upper- and lower-body strength to hold up at the point of attack against the run. Good stack and shed defender capable of disengaging from blocks quickly due to good hand strength and lateral agility. Has to do a better job of cutting outside to control the edge and keep contain. Improved as the 2009 season went on in this way. Good effort to pursue laterally. Has to do a better job of protecting his legs from cut-blocks.
Explosion: Moderate initial quickness off the snap. Flashes some explosiveness with his upper-body strength and his ability to quickly stack and shed blocks, but must become more consistent in this area. Can be an explosive hitter, especially when he's able to build momentum and crash into ballcarriers while in pursuit.
Strength: Does a nice job of maintaining good pad level at the point of attack. Gets under the pads of the pass blocker and can walk him deep into the pocket. Good upper-body strength to stack and control his assignment up front. Flashes an explosive shove to disengage. Good lower-body strength to anchor.
Tackling: Classic catch and drag-down tackler. Has a burst to close and flashes some pop when given space to gain momentum. Provides good effort laterally, but isn't able to stalk the ballcarrier, showing only moderate body control to break down in space and limited top-end speed.
Intangibles: Grew up in a town (Hog Hammock) of roughly 80 people on isolated Sapelo Island approximately 15 miles off the coast of Georgia. Highly respected by the Miami coaching staff for his willingness to switch positions for the betterment of the team. Was a highly-touted linebacker prospect who has grown into a 288-pound defensive tackle. Owns one of college football's more imposing physiques. Missed all but four games of his senior season in high school due to stress fracture in his back that will require a close look by NFL doctors at the Combine."
Run Defense: Has good upper- and lower-body strength to hold up at the point of attack against the run. Good stack and shed defender capable of disengaging from blocks quickly due to good hand strength and lateral agility. Has to do a better job of cutting outside to control the edge and keep contain. Improved as the 2009 season went on in this way. Good effort to pursue laterally. Has to do a better job of protecting his legs from cut-blocks.
Explosion: Moderate initial quickness off the snap. Flashes some explosiveness with his upper-body strength and his ability to quickly stack and shed blocks, but must become more consistent in this area. Can be an explosive hitter, especially when he's able to build momentum and crash into ballcarriers while in pursuit.
Strength: Does a nice job of maintaining good pad level at the point of attack. Gets under the pads of the pass blocker and can walk him deep into the pocket. Good upper-body strength to stack and control his assignment up front. Flashes an explosive shove to disengage. Good lower-body strength to anchor.
Tackling: Classic catch and drag-down tackler. Has a burst to close and flashes some pop when given space to gain momentum. Provides good effort laterally, but isn't able to stalk the ballcarrier, showing only moderate body control to break down in space and limited top-end speed.
Intangibles: Grew up in a town (Hog Hammock) of roughly 80 people on isolated Sapelo Island approximately 15 miles off the coast of Georgia. Highly respected by the Miami coaching staff for his willingness to switch positions for the betterment of the team. Was a highly-touted linebacker prospect who has grown into a 288-pound defensive tackle. Owns one of college football's more imposing physiques. Missed all but four games of his senior season in high school due to stress fracture in his back that will require a close look by NFL doctors at the Combine."
"Pass Rush/Closing Ability/Moves + Counter Moves: When he rushes with leverage he can be a dominate power rusher. He has outstanding speed for his size and uses it well with a great closing burst to beat the offensive tackle around the corner. He can also beat the interior offensive lineman with his speed and quickness when playing inside at defensive tackle. He does not have many pass rush moves or counter moves. He is very raw and needs to refine his technique and use his hands better when rushing from the defensive end position. He is more of a bull rusher at this time.
Pursuit/Lateral Movement/Agility: He has sideline to sideline speed and has an explosive closing burst to finish the play. He has very quick feet for a player of his size and uses his agility and balance to change direction quickly to make plays against the run and pressure the QB. Bailey has natural flexibility to keep knees bended allowing him to explode into the offensive lineman and shoot the gaps to get into the backfield and disrupt the play.
Quickness/Explosion: Bailey is an exceptional athlete which helped him to be a productive defensive lineman for most of his college career. He is very explosive coming off the ball and can deliver an explosive violent hit to ball carriers. Has an explosive first step to beat the interior lineman when lined up inside at defensive tackle.
Run Defend/Recognition: He holds ground and can shoot gaps to disrupt plays with his quickness and strength. He has very good instincts and reacts to blockers coming at him pretty quickly. Diagnoses the play quickly and wraps up the ball carrier. He is very good at getting off run blocks.
Size/Length/Hand Size: Bailey has the size to play multiple positions. He can line up as a 34 defensive end or a 43 defensive end and 43 defensive tackle. He would be a matchup nightmare for interior lineman on passing downs. He is not a lengthy player but well built to also play inside at defensive tackle.
Strength/Ability to Shed Blocks: He has excellent playing strength and can hold his ground at the point-of-attack and can drive the offensive lineman into the QB's lap while collapsing the pocket. Bailey takes on and sheds blocks fast against the run using his athleticism and quickness to get free. He needs to do a better job of shedding blockers when pass rushing he sometimes struggles to get free once initial move is neutralized.
Tackling: He does a good job at making most of his tackles and can deliver a devastating violent hit. Has an outstanding closing burst and can chase plays down from behind and sideline to sideline. His quick feet and athleticism helps him to change direction quickly along the line of scrimmage to pursue the ball and then make the tackle.
Technique/Hand Use/Leverage: Bailey uses his hands very well against run blocks. His technique against pass blockers need a lot of work. Once his initial move is stopped he struggles to get pressure on QB. He needs to develop counter moves. He uses good leverage when engaged with the offensive lineman. Will become dominant once he is taught better techniques.
Versatility: Bailey is a very coordinated athlete who does a good job staying on his feet and under control when play is coming at him. He is very versatile and can play many positions along the defensive front. He will be one of the most coveted defensive lineman in the 2011 NFL Draft because of his versatility.
Final Word: Bailey is a tremendous athlete and physical specimen. He is a super versatile football player that has the size, speed, agility, strength, and toughness to play at a high level at multiple positions such as DE, DT, and strong side OLB in a 34 defense. He has outstanding lateral quickness to make plays against the run or the pass. Bailey has all of the tools to be a dominant football player. He would be an ideal fit for any team who uses the 34 defense. Once he adapts to the pro level and learns how to utilize his talents more effectively the opposition is what I call "thru booking" thats the ballgame."
Pursuit/Lateral Movement/Agility: He has sideline to sideline speed and has an explosive closing burst to finish the play. He has very quick feet for a player of his size and uses his agility and balance to change direction quickly to make plays against the run and pressure the QB. Bailey has natural flexibility to keep knees bended allowing him to explode into the offensive lineman and shoot the gaps to get into the backfield and disrupt the play.
Quickness/Explosion: Bailey is an exceptional athlete which helped him to be a productive defensive lineman for most of his college career. He is very explosive coming off the ball and can deliver an explosive violent hit to ball carriers. Has an explosive first step to beat the interior lineman when lined up inside at defensive tackle.
Run Defend/Recognition: He holds ground and can shoot gaps to disrupt plays with his quickness and strength. He has very good instincts and reacts to blockers coming at him pretty quickly. Diagnoses the play quickly and wraps up the ball carrier. He is very good at getting off run blocks.
Size/Length/Hand Size: Bailey has the size to play multiple positions. He can line up as a 34 defensive end or a 43 defensive end and 43 defensive tackle. He would be a matchup nightmare for interior lineman on passing downs. He is not a lengthy player but well built to also play inside at defensive tackle.
Strength/Ability to Shed Blocks: He has excellent playing strength and can hold his ground at the point-of-attack and can drive the offensive lineman into the QB's lap while collapsing the pocket. Bailey takes on and sheds blocks fast against the run using his athleticism and quickness to get free. He needs to do a better job of shedding blockers when pass rushing he sometimes struggles to get free once initial move is neutralized.
Tackling: He does a good job at making most of his tackles and can deliver a devastating violent hit. Has an outstanding closing burst and can chase plays down from behind and sideline to sideline. His quick feet and athleticism helps him to change direction quickly along the line of scrimmage to pursue the ball and then make the tackle.
Technique/Hand Use/Leverage: Bailey uses his hands very well against run blocks. His technique against pass blockers need a lot of work. Once his initial move is stopped he struggles to get pressure on QB. He needs to develop counter moves. He uses good leverage when engaged with the offensive lineman. Will become dominant once he is taught better techniques.
Versatility: Bailey is a very coordinated athlete who does a good job staying on his feet and under control when play is coming at him. He is very versatile and can play many positions along the defensive front. He will be one of the most coveted defensive lineman in the 2011 NFL Draft because of his versatility.
Final Word: Bailey is a tremendous athlete and physical specimen. He is a super versatile football player that has the size, speed, agility, strength, and toughness to play at a high level at multiple positions such as DE, DT, and strong side OLB in a 34 defense. He has outstanding lateral quickness to make plays against the run or the pass. Bailey has all of the tools to be a dominant football player. He would be an ideal fit for any team who uses the 34 defense. Once he adapts to the pro level and learns how to utilize his talents more effectively the opposition is what I call "thru booking" thats the ballgame."
"It’s hard to forget that Allen Bailey was regarded as one of the higher rated recruits of 2007. He was a five star, blue chip prospect and the #7 overall defensive end prospect in the nation, coming out of McIntosh Country Academy.
Bailey's inconsistency could see his stock drop.
Bailey played special teams as a freshman, and got in to many games as a sophomore before starting his last two seasons as a Hurricane.
Strengths
Bailey has good explosion off of the line of scrimmage. He has a solid bull rush, and is excellent in disrupting the backfield and forcing the ball to go the other way. He has good strength holding the point of attack, and sometimes takes up space, despite being a bit on the light side. He does a nice job of extending his long arms and using his hands well when fighting off of blocks and is a good tackler. He moves well laterally and is a solid athlete for his size. He is versatile, being able to play defensive tackle and defensive end.
Weaknesses
Bailey doesn’t always drive his feet when rushing the passer. He gets controlled by more physical offensive tackles, and he doesn’t show consistent drive on every play. He lacks any great pass rushing moves, being very slow when trying to rip through defenders or trying to swim. He isn’t great at either rushing the passer or stuffing the run. He’s just solid at both. He won’t put up big time statistics at the next level.
Draft Range
Many scouts see Bailey as a potential first round selection. I have him as quite the faller. I can easily see Bailey falling to the 4th round, if not later because he leaves a lot to be desired on the football field. He could rise as high as pick 70, to the Cleveland Browns, although that could be a slight reach. Teams like Tampa Bay, New Orleans, New York (Giants), Detroit, and Philadelphia seem to be great destinations for Bailey.
NFL Comparison: Jason Jones "
Bailey's inconsistency could see his stock drop.
Bailey played special teams as a freshman, and got in to many games as a sophomore before starting his last two seasons as a Hurricane.
Strengths
Bailey has good explosion off of the line of scrimmage. He has a solid bull rush, and is excellent in disrupting the backfield and forcing the ball to go the other way. He has good strength holding the point of attack, and sometimes takes up space, despite being a bit on the light side. He does a nice job of extending his long arms and using his hands well when fighting off of blocks and is a good tackler. He moves well laterally and is a solid athlete for his size. He is versatile, being able to play defensive tackle and defensive end.
Weaknesses
Bailey doesn’t always drive his feet when rushing the passer. He gets controlled by more physical offensive tackles, and he doesn’t show consistent drive on every play. He lacks any great pass rushing moves, being very slow when trying to rip through defenders or trying to swim. He isn’t great at either rushing the passer or stuffing the run. He’s just solid at both. He won’t put up big time statistics at the next level.
Draft Range
Many scouts see Bailey as a potential first round selection. I have him as quite the faller. I can easily see Bailey falling to the 4th round, if not later because he leaves a lot to be desired on the football field. He could rise as high as pick 70, to the Cleveland Browns, although that could be a slight reach. Teams like Tampa Bay, New Orleans, New York (Giants), Detroit, and Philadelphia seem to be great destinations for Bailey.
NFL Comparison: Jason Jones "
"Bio: Two year starter awarded all-Conference honors each of the last two years with 45/11/7 as a senior and 34/11/7 as a junior.
Positive: Big, versatile lineman who can be used at tackle or end in a two-gap system. Plays with good pad level, consistently doubled by opponents, tough to handle, and rarely gives up an inch of room. Fluid moving about the field and shows the ability to bend off the edge or chase the action in pursuit. Strings plays out laterally, remains disciplined with assignments, and is relatively instinctive. Strong, jolts blockers with violent hand punch, and hustles around the field trying to make plays. Does more than just pin his ears back and rush up the field. Occupies blockers, allowing linebackers to get the ball. Positions himself to make plays.
Negative: Lacks great first-step quickness. Adequate but not a great pass rusher. Must develop more moves with his hands. Did not develop the past two seasons as scouts had expected.
Analysis: Bailey looked like a future star early in his college career yet failed to live up to expectations as a senior. He offers a great amount of upside and if coached properly, Bailey will be a productive starter at the next level."
Positive: Big, versatile lineman who can be used at tackle or end in a two-gap system. Plays with good pad level, consistently doubled by opponents, tough to handle, and rarely gives up an inch of room. Fluid moving about the field and shows the ability to bend off the edge or chase the action in pursuit. Strings plays out laterally, remains disciplined with assignments, and is relatively instinctive. Strong, jolts blockers with violent hand punch, and hustles around the field trying to make plays. Does more than just pin his ears back and rush up the field. Occupies blockers, allowing linebackers to get the ball. Positions himself to make plays.
Negative: Lacks great first-step quickness. Adequate but not a great pass rusher. Must develop more moves with his hands. Did not develop the past two seasons as scouts had expected.
Analysis: Bailey looked like a future star early in his college career yet failed to live up to expectations as a senior. He offers a great amount of upside and if coached properly, Bailey will be a productive starter at the next level."
"Positives: Had 34 tackles, 11 for loss and seven sacks in 2009... Versatile, is an ideal fit as a defensive end in a 3-man front, could fit as a 3-technique (1-gap) defensive tackle in a 4-3... Physical specimen, can bench 375 pounds with a 38.5" vertical... Solid pass rusher... Solid bull and swim moves... Solid versus the run... Stays low... Generally wins the battle for leverage... Solid strength at the POA... Can take on a double team... Can anchor... Good tackler... Should line up at defensive tackle on passing downs... Good instincts... Plays with a high motor... Durable, has missed just one game in his college career (conditioning related).
Negatives: May not have the speed to constantly turn the corner as a defensive end at the next level... Spin move is very slow... Can be slow to redirect... More of an athlete than football player... Will need to add some weight to be considered as a full-time defensive tackle... Unsure of NFL position... Stress fracture in back as a senior in high school will linger in scouts' minds."
Negatives: May not have the speed to constantly turn the corner as a defensive end at the next level... Spin move is very slow... Can be slow to redirect... More of an athlete than football player... Will need to add some weight to be considered as a full-time defensive tackle... Unsure of NFL position... Stress fracture in back as a senior in high school will linger in scouts' minds."
"Strengths: Creates plenty of penetration on the line using his hands. Is a fantastic bull rusher off the edge. Disrupts the pocket and often times forces the quarterback to throw before he wants to. Brings the wood. Country strong. Gets in on many tackles and never lets a tackle get away from him. He has tons of strength when engaged at the line and drives offensive linemen back on their heels. Freakish strength and a mammoth physique. Works hard and will make tackles way down field.
Weaknesses: Sometimes doesn't take the best angles to take advantage of the penetration he creates or the rush he gets on the quarterback. Is probably limited to a 4-3 DE position, as he lacks the size for 3-4 DE, and the overall flexibility for a OLB.
Projection: One of the top defensive lineman in the country, especially off the edge. There's no doubt in my mind that this guy will go in the 1st round. Probably in the top 16 picks."
Weaknesses: Sometimes doesn't take the best angles to take advantage of the penetration he creates or the rush he gets on the quarterback. Is probably limited to a 4-3 DE position, as he lacks the size for 3-4 DE, and the overall flexibility for a OLB.
Projection: One of the top defensive lineman in the country, especially off the edge. There's no doubt in my mind that this guy will go in the 1st round. Probably in the top 16 picks."
"Allen Bailey has not spent much time at defensive tackle, but that has not stopped NFL scouts from drooling over his potential. As a freshman in 2007, he spent most of his time on special teams and played just two downs as a linebacker. In 2008 he started four games at defensive end. However, he would often move to the interior of the line during third down situations. He ended his sophomore campaign with 36 tackles, 9.0 tackles-for-loss and a team high 5.0 sacks.
His potential and versatility led to high expectations heading into 2009. And Bailey did not disappoint. Bailey's tackle numbers slipped to 32 during the regular season, but he ended up with 11.0 tackles-for-loss and 7.0 sacks, leading the Hurricanes in both categories. At 6-4 and 288 pounds, Bailey is a fine pass rusher and could be a good tackle in the NFL if he adds some weight. However, Bailey appears ready to be an end after spending his senior season at that position.
His versatility is a plus, but NFL teams will want him to be either an end or a tackle. He is probably better suited to play tackle at the next level, but if he can keep getting to the quarterback, he could play either spot quite well in the NFL."
His potential and versatility led to high expectations heading into 2009. And Bailey did not disappoint. Bailey's tackle numbers slipped to 32 during the regular season, but he ended up with 11.0 tackles-for-loss and 7.0 sacks, leading the Hurricanes in both categories. At 6-4 and 288 pounds, Bailey is a fine pass rusher and could be a good tackle in the NFL if he adds some weight. However, Bailey appears ready to be an end after spending his senior season at that position.
His versatility is a plus, but NFL teams will want him to be either an end or a tackle. He is probably better suited to play tackle at the next level, but if he can keep getting to the quarterback, he could play either spot quite well in the NFL."
"At this time last year, the online draft community was agog over Carlos Dunlap. The Florida defensive end appeared to possess the ultimate combination of size, speed, and strength. Todd McShay had Dunlap going 6th overall in his initial 2010 mock draft, and Dunlap debuted at #3 overall on Kiper’s Big Board.
However, the ‘09 season exposed some of Dunlap’s limitations. He failed to get through the season without raising beet red character flags, displaying inconsistent effort and getting charged with a DUI. In addition, he played with too high a pad level, didn’t improve his technique, and failed to prove he could threaten the edge against good offensive tackles. As a result, his draft stock plummeted; the once highly-touted prospect slipped to the 2nd round.
This year, another freakish defensive lineman from the state of Florida is the subject of pre-season hype. But instead of being a Gator DL, Allen Bailey is a versatile Hurricane who once killed a gator with a shovel. There are many differences between the two defensive linemen, but it’s possible that Bailey could be plagued by some of the same on-field issues that dropped Dunlap’s draft stock.
Much of the hype surrounding Allen Bailey is warranted. After playing linebacker earlier in his collegiate career, Bailey settled in nicely as a defensive lineman, notching 7 sacks and 11 tackles for loss in ‘09. The strong and explosive athlete played both tackle and end, walking back offensive linemen from both spots. With added experience, Bailey should be even more productive this fall.
However, Bailey also displayed some major deficiencies in ‘09. Despite being a freakishly strong athlete, Bailey struggles to disengage from blocks. The issue shows up most glaringly when Bailey lines up at defensive end. Like Dunlap, Bailey lacks the speed to threaten the edge, so he resorts to plowing back offensive tackles. He’s largely successful in doing so, but he’s also slow to disengage, allowing quarterbacks to step around him and complete unhurried passes.
As a result, Bailey likely is a better fit at defensive tackle or five-technique in a 3-4 defense, but he’ll also need to show improvement to be effective at those spots. To be an explosive penetrating d-tackle, Bailey will need to do a better job of timing his jump off the snap. In addition, he’ll need to expand his repertoire of rush moves. He looks awfully slow and deliberate when deploying his spin move; it’s like watching a slow motion clip of Gerald McCoy. And if he doesn’t use his hands better, he won’t be nearly as disruptive a defensive lineman at the next level.
Though Bailey can be impressively fast in a straight line, the former linebacker doesn’t always cleanly change direction. He slides well laterally but will at times struggle to redirect, shed, and make a tackle. If he doesn’t improve in this area, teams that run a 3-4 defense may have reservations about his fit as an end in their system.
At this point, Bailey still is a better athlete than football player, much like Dunlap was coming out of college. However, Bailey is worlds aways from Dunlap when it comes to character and work ethic. Bailey is clean off the field and plays with an ever-churning motor on it; he’ll eagerly pursue plays and lunge to plant his large frame atop the pile.
Because of his strong effort on the field, it’s likely that Bailey will put in the necessary work to improve his technique and on-field awareness. Ideally, Bailey would get to focus on playing defensive tackle, but it appears that he’ll be playing defensive end again this year. Hopefully, the coaching staff will let him kick him inside, which will allow NFL scouts to evaluate him at what likely will be his NFL position.
If he shows significant improvement in his game, Bailey likely will go in the top half of the 1st round. The athletic freak should amaze onlookers at the Combine; hopefully, he’ll be just as impressive on the field this fall.
Here are two clips of the Miami defensive lineman: one playing defensive tackle against Florida State, the other at defensive end against Wake Forest. Though he was disruptive in both games, he’s clearly more of a difference maker when given a chance to be a beast inside."
However, the ‘09 season exposed some of Dunlap’s limitations. He failed to get through the season without raising beet red character flags, displaying inconsistent effort and getting charged with a DUI. In addition, he played with too high a pad level, didn’t improve his technique, and failed to prove he could threaten the edge against good offensive tackles. As a result, his draft stock plummeted; the once highly-touted prospect slipped to the 2nd round.
This year, another freakish defensive lineman from the state of Florida is the subject of pre-season hype. But instead of being a Gator DL, Allen Bailey is a versatile Hurricane who once killed a gator with a shovel. There are many differences between the two defensive linemen, but it’s possible that Bailey could be plagued by some of the same on-field issues that dropped Dunlap’s draft stock.
Much of the hype surrounding Allen Bailey is warranted. After playing linebacker earlier in his collegiate career, Bailey settled in nicely as a defensive lineman, notching 7 sacks and 11 tackles for loss in ‘09. The strong and explosive athlete played both tackle and end, walking back offensive linemen from both spots. With added experience, Bailey should be even more productive this fall.
However, Bailey also displayed some major deficiencies in ‘09. Despite being a freakishly strong athlete, Bailey struggles to disengage from blocks. The issue shows up most glaringly when Bailey lines up at defensive end. Like Dunlap, Bailey lacks the speed to threaten the edge, so he resorts to plowing back offensive tackles. He’s largely successful in doing so, but he’s also slow to disengage, allowing quarterbacks to step around him and complete unhurried passes.
As a result, Bailey likely is a better fit at defensive tackle or five-technique in a 3-4 defense, but he’ll also need to show improvement to be effective at those spots. To be an explosive penetrating d-tackle, Bailey will need to do a better job of timing his jump off the snap. In addition, he’ll need to expand his repertoire of rush moves. He looks awfully slow and deliberate when deploying his spin move; it’s like watching a slow motion clip of Gerald McCoy. And if he doesn’t use his hands better, he won’t be nearly as disruptive a defensive lineman at the next level.
Though Bailey can be impressively fast in a straight line, the former linebacker doesn’t always cleanly change direction. He slides well laterally but will at times struggle to redirect, shed, and make a tackle. If he doesn’t improve in this area, teams that run a 3-4 defense may have reservations about his fit as an end in their system.
At this point, Bailey still is a better athlete than football player, much like Dunlap was coming out of college. However, Bailey is worlds aways from Dunlap when it comes to character and work ethic. Bailey is clean off the field and plays with an ever-churning motor on it; he’ll eagerly pursue plays and lunge to plant his large frame atop the pile.
Because of his strong effort on the field, it’s likely that Bailey will put in the necessary work to improve his technique and on-field awareness. Ideally, Bailey would get to focus on playing defensive tackle, but it appears that he’ll be playing defensive end again this year. Hopefully, the coaching staff will let him kick him inside, which will allow NFL scouts to evaluate him at what likely will be his NFL position.
If he shows significant improvement in his game, Bailey likely will go in the top half of the 1st round. The athletic freak should amaze onlookers at the Combine; hopefully, he’ll be just as impressive on the field this fall.
Here are two clips of the Miami defensive lineman: one playing defensive tackle against Florida State, the other at defensive end against Wake Forest. Though he was disruptive in both games, he’s clearly more of a difference maker when given a chance to be a beast inside."
"Bailey has lined up most at the DLE spot for the Hurricanes and very well could stay outside in the pros, where things do not unfold as quickly and get on top of him. That said, he has moved inside at times, is as strong as a house — the stories about him wrestling alligators with his bare hands are true — and could be effective stacking the point of attack anywhere along the line.
He is not a creative pass rusher and plays a bit tall, but he is rarely moved off the line and has a great motor that would be attractive inside. With good coaching and more reps, he could be trained to locate the ball more quickly and become very disruptive inside."
He is not a creative pass rusher and plays a bit tall, but he is rarely moved off the line and has a great motor that would be attractive inside. With good coaching and more reps, he could be trained to locate the ball more quickly and become very disruptive inside."
Fanatical FootBall Fiend on Allen Bailey
When I evaluate any prospect, 1% of it derives from my own analysis of The Tape, and 99% of it is my evaluation of the evaluators: Those guys, quoted and linked, above, whose expertise DWARFS mine.
***
Allen Bailey makes me nervous.
He's got an exceptionally strong Base, a chiseled form, and commands excellent Speed for a man of his size. He's got a good Crouch, and a strong Burst.
But he's awful with his Hands, displays bad Technique, is often slow out of the gate, and demonstrates particularly weak Processing Speed ~ Read + React.
He prefers to shoot for End in a 40 Scheme, where he can just pin his ears back and Rush the Passer, and that makes sense. I'm just not sure how good he's going to be.
Over Rated!!
***
As always, the preceding thoughts were regurgitated, derivative tripe, adding no value whatsoever, while in fact obliterating intelligent thought and offending the spirit of all decent men. You are now stupider for having read it, and are encouraged, in the strongest possible language, never to expose your eyes to this Site again.
***
Allen Bailey makes me nervous.
He's got an exceptionally strong Base, a chiseled form, and commands excellent Speed for a man of his size. He's got a good Crouch, and a strong Burst.
But he's awful with his Hands, displays bad Technique, is often slow out of the gate, and demonstrates particularly weak Processing Speed ~ Read + React.
He prefers to shoot for End in a 40 Scheme, where he can just pin his ears back and Rush the Passer, and that makes sense. I'm just not sure how good he's going to be.
Over Rated!!
***
As always, the preceding thoughts were regurgitated, derivative tripe, adding no value whatsoever, while in fact obliterating intelligent thought and offending the spirit of all decent men. You are now stupider for having read it, and are encouraged, in the strongest possible language, never to expose your eyes to this Site again.
RSS Feed