By Alec Nederveld
On the morning of March 1st, 2024, running backs had their media availability for the NFL Scouting Combine. I was able to listen in on the talented RBs Braelon Allen and Audric Estime and see what they had to say.
Starting with Allen, he discussed Tennessee Titans RB Derrick Henry and his role as a mentor. The past summer, the former Wisconsin Badger mentioned that he was "able to pick his brain a little bit and emulate his diet, his recovery routine, and regime." Allen also talked about the best ways to take care of his body.
Allen thinks his IQ separates him from other backs, saying, "I see the game from a different lens, a different perspective. I take my studying very seriously, and I something I take a lot of pride in.”
Allen also stated a desire to be a three-down back, and the 2023 season prepared him for that. Under Luke Fickell, Wisconsin shifted to a spread that required more pass protection, and Allen became more of a receiving threat. He jumped from 13 to 28 receptions in his final Wisconsin season.
He thinks that despite the shock value of seeing Wisconsin in a spread offense, the change helped him get ready for the NFL. "It was obviously very different from what people are used to seeing at Wisconsin, but overall, I think it helped my stock."
Audric Estime, the RB from Notre Dame, also had a lot to talk about. Estime compared himself to legendary Oklahoma and Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson. "He's a big guy, big physical guy, and he runs like he has to pay his bills, and that's how I run." Estime also pointed out that Peterson is
"(Adrian Peterson) is also a guy that moves like a smaller back, light on his feet, he's very quick and fast... he can run routes, he can pass protect, he can do it all, so I pride my game over him".
— Audric Estime
The Second-Team All-American from a season ago also emphasized his leadership skills. As important as getting better yourself is, football is a team sport, and you can't win or be successful with your teammates. Estime stated, "I’m working hard, but you gotta make sure the next guy is working hard because football is a team sport, and you can’t do anything without every single individual."
Like Allen, Estime wants to be a three-down back and discussed pass blocking and his mindset. "I pride myself on being an all three-down back, and with that comes pass protection. The quarterback is the most paid guy, so I have to be able to protect him."
The two backs are some of the best in the 2024 NFL draft. Both are only 20 years old and have run for over 2,200 yards and 20 touchdowns over the past two seasons. Allen and Estime don't know where they'll be drafted, but I know they'll be great wherever they end up.
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