WB Dwayne Allen of Clemson ~ 6.4/256
"Allen was a two year starter at tight end for Clemson where he won the Mackey award as the nations top TE before declaring early for the draft. He was a first-team All-ACC selection and has great size for the position and even better speed.
He is a polished and accomplished route runner who understands how to play the position and will be an immediate threat at the next level. He is a more classic, line-attached tight end who can work upfield out of a three point stance without having to rely on aligning in the slot.
He has a rare combination of size, speed, athleticism, and overall understanding of the intricacies of the position.
***
Strengths: Allen is an extremely flexible mover who works in and out of a two-point stance with ease. He has the strength and body control to avoid jams at the line of scrimmage and is good to fight through and stack back on top of his defender and get into his route.
He can drop his weight in and out of breaks and is a very smooth runner for a man his size. He is quick to turn his head and locate the ball and uses his body well to shield off defenders downfield.
Allen is an explosive athlete who can separate form linebackers and safeties alike. He is natural as a short area receiver and could be a go-to option early on to move the chains.
Weaknesses: Allen labors at times off the ball when blocking in the run game and has a bit of an unorthodox stance when trying to block. He is simply not the caliber of blocker that he is receiver, but he is above average there. It's difficult to find many weaknesses in Allen's game based off the junior year he put together."
He is a polished and accomplished route runner who understands how to play the position and will be an immediate threat at the next level. He is a more classic, line-attached tight end who can work upfield out of a three point stance without having to rely on aligning in the slot.
He has a rare combination of size, speed, athleticism, and overall understanding of the intricacies of the position.
***
He can drop his weight in and out of breaks and is a very smooth runner for a man his size. He is quick to turn his head and locate the ball and uses his body well to shield off defenders downfield.
Allen is an explosive athlete who can separate form linebackers and safeties alike. He is natural as a short area receiver and could be a go-to option early on to move the chains.
"Early in 2009, Allen upset coaches by telling the media he hoped the team would go to their tight ends more consistently. By the end of the year, as he grew as a route-runner and reliable receiver, it was clear his assessment was correct. And now he's the team's most dangerous one-on-one match-up for opposing defenses.
Allen became a red zone target as a part-time starter his redshirt freshman year, scoring on three of his 10 receptions; those scores covered of about half of his season total of 108 yards. Although he scored just once in 2010, ACC coaches still named him second-team all-conference in 2010 after he started 13 games and ranked third on the team in receptions (33) and receiving yards (373).
What makes Allen an excellent NFL prospect is his ability to block and versatility as a receiving option, as he can work as H-Back or in-line threat willing to threaten the same and move the chains. He will not be mistaken for Tony Gonzalez in terms of his straight-line speed, but NFL linebackers will have to deal with his size, length, and strong hands both at the line of scrimmage on run plays and down the field in routes. It is not hard to see Allen earning a top 40 grade with a nice junior year.
***
Release: Gets off the line quite well when standing up, uses a shake and his body to get inside position on linebackers. Lines up all over the place: on the line, in motion, in the slot, in the backfield, even on the sideline when the team runs screens to his side.
Hands: Reliable receiver on short and intermediate throws who usually looks the ball in before heading upfield. Strong enough to win 50-50 balls against defenders whether over the middle or in the red zone. Inconsistent letting throws in to his body when facing the passer. Snatches high throws, but must continue to work on his bend and flexibility to adjust better to hot low and wide passes.
Route Running: Has improved greatly in this area. Does not have elite feet, but his combination of size and quickness are tough for college linebackers to handle. Works inside or outside equally well stemming his route off his release, gets downfield in a hurry and will extend his arm to get separation. Works his way back to the QB, providing a target on extended plays. Must be even more physical at the next level since he won't separate from pro defenders with pure speed.
After the Catch: Receives ultimate after-the-catch compliment by being used on bubble screens and quick misdirection throws. Covers some ground when uncovered with long strides and good straight-line speed for his size. Agile enough to shake off and step over smaller defenders looking to cut him down. Lowers his pads on contact, churns his legs and usually falls forward to get extra yards. Lacks elite elusiveness and speed to regularly out-run or out-quick NFL defenders but will be a threat to do more than move the chains.
Blocking: Combines effort and strength to be a reliable blocker in-line and in the open field. Packs some punch and will extend his arms while taking out linebackers and defensive ends when on the line. Lacks superior foot speed and lower-body flexibility but has enough of both to push speedy defenders out of plays. Provides solid one-on-one blocking on the edge when his feet are underneath him, has a good anchor and does not get beaten with hand play very often. Gets after defensive backs when helping receivers or leading screen passes downfield; drop his hands to make contact and keeps his feet moving and resets his hands to sustain. His height and average bend allows tougher defenders to anchor and shed by getting under his pads. Larger, stronger NFL ends will have more success against him initially, but he has upside to excel in time.
Intangibles: Scouts will have questions about Allen's maturity due to public comments about the team's offense during his tenure at Clemson. Considering transferring when a new offensive coordinator was brought in for the 2011 season, but learned the new scheme quickly and liked what he saw during spring practices."
Allen became a red zone target as a part-time starter his redshirt freshman year, scoring on three of his 10 receptions; those scores covered of about half of his season total of 108 yards. Although he scored just once in 2010, ACC coaches still named him second-team all-conference in 2010 after he started 13 games and ranked third on the team in receptions (33) and receiving yards (373).
What makes Allen an excellent NFL prospect is his ability to block and versatility as a receiving option, as he can work as H-Back or in-line threat willing to threaten the same and move the chains. He will not be mistaken for Tony Gonzalez in terms of his straight-line speed, but NFL linebackers will have to deal with his size, length, and strong hands both at the line of scrimmage on run plays and down the field in routes. It is not hard to see Allen earning a top 40 grade with a nice junior year.
***
Release: Gets off the line quite well when standing up, uses a shake and his body to get inside position on linebackers. Lines up all over the place: on the line, in motion, in the slot, in the backfield, even on the sideline when the team runs screens to his side.
Hands: Reliable receiver on short and intermediate throws who usually looks the ball in before heading upfield. Strong enough to win 50-50 balls against defenders whether over the middle or in the red zone. Inconsistent letting throws in to his body when facing the passer. Snatches high throws, but must continue to work on his bend and flexibility to adjust better to hot low and wide passes.
Route Running: Has improved greatly in this area. Does not have elite feet, but his combination of size and quickness are tough for college linebackers to handle. Works inside or outside equally well stemming his route off his release, gets downfield in a hurry and will extend his arm to get separation. Works his way back to the QB, providing a target on extended plays. Must be even more physical at the next level since he won't separate from pro defenders with pure speed.
After the Catch: Receives ultimate after-the-catch compliment by being used on bubble screens and quick misdirection throws. Covers some ground when uncovered with long strides and good straight-line speed for his size. Agile enough to shake off and step over smaller defenders looking to cut him down. Lowers his pads on contact, churns his legs and usually falls forward to get extra yards. Lacks elite elusiveness and speed to regularly out-run or out-quick NFL defenders but will be a threat to do more than move the chains.
Blocking: Combines effort and strength to be a reliable blocker in-line and in the open field. Packs some punch and will extend his arms while taking out linebackers and defensive ends when on the line. Lacks superior foot speed and lower-body flexibility but has enough of both to push speedy defenders out of plays. Provides solid one-on-one blocking on the edge when his feet are underneath him, has a good anchor and does not get beaten with hand play very often. Gets after defensive backs when helping receivers or leading screen passes downfield; drop his hands to make contact and keeps his feet moving and resets his hands to sustain. His height and average bend allows tougher defenders to anchor and shed by getting under his pads. Larger, stronger NFL ends will have more success against him initially, but he has upside to excel in time.
Intangibles: Scouts will have questions about Allen's maturity due to public comments about the team's offense during his tenure at Clemson. Considering transferring when a new offensive coordinator was brought in for the 2011 season, but learned the new scheme quickly and liked what he saw during spring practices."
"Possesses a thicker, compact frame with a strongly put together core and base. Doesn't long real long armed and seems a bit tightly wound, but has a big set of hands. Lined-up all over the Clemson offense this year (TE, H-back, slot) and has the versatility to do the same in the NFL.
Is a naturally strong kid who has a heavy set of hands and can create a little pop on contact both in-line and on the move. However, doesn't do a great job keeping his base down into contact, which allows defenders to get under him initially in the run game in-line.
However, he has the natural power to work his legs through contact and is graceful/power enough to work his legs around the target to seal or begin to get a push. Is a good move blocker who ha some range getting into the second level and takes solid angles into contact.
However, gets upright and will get caught overextending at the point, allows himself to easily be rag dolled/ slipped through contact. Has the natural power to create a snap through the hips, gain leverage and seal on the edge. Has shown the natural power in the past to handle defensive ends through contact.
However, needs to learn to play lower. Leverage might always be an issue though because he seems to lack ideal length. His lack of length is even more obvious in pass protection where he is consistently forced to lock his arms in order to try to stay on defenders through contact.
Possesses a slightly above-average get off for his size when lined-up with his hand on the ground. However, doesn't do a great job avoiding contact. Allows himself to get upright and isn't overly shifty when trying to avoid a bump. Also, has a tough time as a route runner with defenders who want to get physical with him.
Doesn't use his hands well to be physical and leave a defender before getting out of his breaks. Either extends his arms and is called for pass interference or allows a defender to be draped all over him.
Looks more explosive off the line when split out, showcasing the body control, foot quickness and fluidity to snap out of his breaks on sharply breaking routes and create separation. Builds speed as he goes down the field. Isn't a burner, looks like a 4.75 guy, but sells his routes well and looks natural with his first step burst to the post.
Snaps his head around quickly and knows how to find the football. Extends his arms well down the field and can pluck off his frame. Possesses good hands, but will get caught being forced to double catch at times.
Impression: Is a solid, strong athlete with good hands and body control when asked to go get the football. Lacks ideal balance/leverage into contact as a blocker + would like to see him be more sudden in tighter areas with defenders who want to be physical. However, he's an NFL talent who can be used in a number of ways on an NFL offense."
Is a naturally strong kid who has a heavy set of hands and can create a little pop on contact both in-line and on the move. However, doesn't do a great job keeping his base down into contact, which allows defenders to get under him initially in the run game in-line.
However, he has the natural power to work his legs through contact and is graceful/power enough to work his legs around the target to seal or begin to get a push. Is a good move blocker who ha some range getting into the second level and takes solid angles into contact.
However, gets upright and will get caught overextending at the point, allows himself to easily be rag dolled/ slipped through contact. Has the natural power to create a snap through the hips, gain leverage and seal on the edge. Has shown the natural power in the past to handle defensive ends through contact.
However, needs to learn to play lower. Leverage might always be an issue though because he seems to lack ideal length. His lack of length is even more obvious in pass protection where he is consistently forced to lock his arms in order to try to stay on defenders through contact.
Possesses a slightly above-average get off for his size when lined-up with his hand on the ground. However, doesn't do a great job avoiding contact. Allows himself to get upright and isn't overly shifty when trying to avoid a bump. Also, has a tough time as a route runner with defenders who want to get physical with him.
Doesn't use his hands well to be physical and leave a defender before getting out of his breaks. Either extends his arms and is called for pass interference or allows a defender to be draped all over him.
Looks more explosive off the line when split out, showcasing the body control, foot quickness and fluidity to snap out of his breaks on sharply breaking routes and create separation. Builds speed as he goes down the field. Isn't a burner, looks like a 4.75 guy, but sells his routes well and looks natural with his first step burst to the post.
Snaps his head around quickly and knows how to find the football. Extends his arms well down the field and can pluck off his frame. Possesses good hands, but will get caught being forced to double catch at times.
Impression: Is a solid, strong athlete with good hands and body control when asked to go get the football. Lacks ideal balance/leverage into contact as a blocker + would like to see him be more sudden in tighter areas with defenders who want to be physical. However, he's an NFL talent who can be used in a number of ways on an NFL offense."
"Hands: Dwayne Allen has a massive set of hands that are capable of snatching the ball away from his body. He rarely uses his body to catch the football and doesn’t put it on the ground very often. Has an innate ability to track the football in the air and go up and get it at its highest point. Allen secures the ball before turning up field and is generally a very good catcher of the ball. A couple double catches on film but seemed to be from balls that jumped up on him before expected.
Speed: Allen has a more compact build than most of today’s TE’s but he has impressive speed for his frame. He won’t blow anyone away with his timed speed but he has a powerful burst that allows him to gain separation. Allen excelled this season on the seam against linebackers.
Release/Route Running: Allen has good get off for a big man. He does have a tendency to get caught up in the wash which can detract from his route timing. He needs to use his hands more consistently in the release and during route development. He looks explosive off the line when split out wide. Allen lines up all over the field and has the versatility to do so in the NFL. He struggles in routes with physicality which is concerning for someone as well built as he is. Sells routes very well with head and shoulders and gets his head around quickly to find the football.
Blocking: Allen excels as a move blocker and gets to the second level with ease. He will need to work on some technique issues as a blocker. He pops straight up at times and loses the leverage battle. He also needs to sink his butt and keep his base on contact. Generally is considered a good in-line blocker for the position.
Bottom Line: Allen brings an intriguing skill set for his size. He could be used in a multitude of positions on the field (TE, Slot, H-back). He’s an above-average catcher of the football and should be an immediate starter as he’s not a liability as a blocker. Allen isn’t as dynamic as the big name TE’s in today’s NFL but could be equally effective.
Draft Projection: Dwayne Allen should come off the board early in round 2."
Speed: Allen has a more compact build than most of today’s TE’s but he has impressive speed for his frame. He won’t blow anyone away with his timed speed but he has a powerful burst that allows him to gain separation. Allen excelled this season on the seam against linebackers.
Release/Route Running: Allen has good get off for a big man. He does have a tendency to get caught up in the wash which can detract from his route timing. He needs to use his hands more consistently in the release and during route development. He looks explosive off the line when split out wide. Allen lines up all over the field and has the versatility to do so in the NFL. He struggles in routes with physicality which is concerning for someone as well built as he is. Sells routes very well with head and shoulders and gets his head around quickly to find the football.
Blocking: Allen excels as a move blocker and gets to the second level with ease. He will need to work on some technique issues as a blocker. He pops straight up at times and loses the leverage battle. He also needs to sink his butt and keep his base on contact. Generally is considered a good in-line blocker for the position.
Bottom Line: Allen brings an intriguing skill set for his size. He could be used in a multitude of positions on the field (TE, Slot, H-back). He’s an above-average catcher of the football and should be an immediate starter as he’s not a liability as a blocker. Allen isn’t as dynamic as the big name TE’s in today’s NFL but could be equally effective.
Draft Projection: Dwayne Allen should come off the board early in round 2."
"Productive, well-built, athletic receiver who rarely comes off the field.
Has good functional playing speed and has proven to be a very dependable short-to-intermediate receiver capable of turning upfield with a head of steam.
Very soft-handed to pluck the ball.
Is strong after the catch and possesses the requisite bulk and strength to block in-line, where he has shown he can handle one-on-one assignments.
Has a balanced skill set."
Has good functional playing speed and has proven to be a very dependable short-to-intermediate receiver capable of turning upfield with a head of steam.
Very soft-handed to pluck the ball.
Is strong after the catch and possesses the requisite bulk and strength to block in-line, where he has shown he can handle one-on-one assignments.
Has a balanced skill set."
"Solid all-around TE with the size and strength to be a factor run blocking, while he emerges as a receiver; wide-body uses size and strength to create space underneath; has soft hands and will catch the ball in traffic;
Lacks sprinter speed but has just enough speed and quickness to get into the seam on occasion; tough to bring down after the catch; had 33 catches last fall, but did wear down somewhat over the season; only scored one TD."
Lacks sprinter speed but has just enough speed and quickness to get into the seam on occasion; tough to bring down after the catch; had 33 catches last fall, but did wear down somewhat over the season; only scored one TD."
"As one might guess just from looking at his starts, Allen is a big target for quarterbacks standing at 6'4'' and 255 pounds. He has decent speed, having been clocked at 4.67 in the 40-yard dash (but that is not how is going to make his money on Sundays). Allen simply runs solid routes and has great hands.
He is a sound blocker and has a significant impact in the running game. He will have to improve his speed if he is going to be a reliable pass-catcher at the next level and become a stat machine.
Regardless, he can be a major contributor in the red zone and a big help to any offensive line."
He is a sound blocker and has a significant impact in the running game. He will have to improve his speed if he is going to be a reliable pass-catcher at the next level and become a stat machine.
Regardless, he can be a major contributor in the red zone and a big help to any offensive line."
"Skinny: Backing up senior Michael Palmer as well as playing a tertiary role to C.J. Spiller and Jacoby Ford in Clemson’s offense, it was not easy for Allen to make a splash as a red-shirt freshman. However, when he did get a chance the North Carolina native didn’t disappoint, flashing potential both as a receiver and a blocker.
At 6’4” and 265 pounds he already has the build to be a two-way tight end at the next level. Unlike many of college football’s top tight ends Allen has the look of a true line-of-scrimmage player, but that’s not to imply that he lacks upside as pass catcher. In limited opportunities Allen displayed reliable hands and the ability to make adjustments as well as acrobatic catches on poorly thrown balls."
At 6’4” and 265 pounds he already has the build to be a two-way tight end at the next level. Unlike many of college football’s top tight ends Allen has the look of a true line-of-scrimmage player, but that’s not to imply that he lacks upside as pass catcher. In limited opportunities Allen displayed reliable hands and the ability to make adjustments as well as acrobatic catches on poorly thrown balls."
RSS Feed