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Braelon Allen Sends Strong Message to NFL Scouts at Pro Day

Originally posted on Badger Notes | By Dillon Graff | Last updated 3/16/24

When Wisconsin football running back Braelon Allen spoke to a group of reporters at the McClain Center on Friday after completing on-field drills led by NFL personnel during the Badgers’ pro day, one of the biggest question marks surrounding his skill set remained unanswered.

Allen opted out of running the 40-yard dash or participating in agility drills, focusing instead on running routes, catching passes, and engaging in running-back-specific work. He cited a lingering high ankle sprain from last season, which sidelined him for two and a half games, as the reason for his decision. Although he considered running at the pro day, Allen ultimately decided to let his tape speak for itself.

“Trying to get healthy, and everything kind of took longer than we had hoped for,” Allen told reporters. “I had kind of a short window to train, and I just didn’t feel comfortable with where I was at to put those numbers on paper.. not that they would have been bad, but they wouldn’t have been what I was hoping for or expecting.”

It’s worth noting that Allen chose not to run at the NFL Combine, either.

Wisconsin Football RB Braelon Allen Plans to ‘Let the Tape Talk’

Following the Wisconsin football program’s pro day at the McClain Center, Braelon Allen pushed back on social media — suggesting that he is, in fact, 100%, and that wasn’t the reason he didn’t run the 40-yard dash in front of scouts.

“No I am 100%, but the time frame to properly train for the 40 and shuttles was too small of a window for me to perform the way I would have wanted to, due to my ankle injury,” Allen wrote. “Sorry to all the 40 yard dash warriors but we’ll let the tape talk.”

No I am 100%, but the time frame to properly train for the 40 and shuttles was too small of a window for me to perform the way I would have wanted to, due to my ankle injury. Sorry to all the 40 yard dash warriors but we’ll let the tape talk. https://t.co/vdUNQD181n

— Braelon Allen (@BraelonAllen) March 16, 2024

Feedback from NFL clubs has been positive, according to Allen, although he has yet to finalize his plans for the NFL Draft in late April. Currently, MockDraftDatabase projects him anywhere from a third—to fifth-round pick. In the weeks leading up to the draft, he will spend time in Madison and his hometown of Fond du Lac.

Wisconsin football leaned on Allen as its workhorse running back for three seasons. During those seasons, he amassed 3,494 career rushing yards, which ranks ninth all-time in program history, while adding 35 touchdowns.

In 2023, Allen played in a spread offense for the first time under Phil Longo, running for 984 yards and 12 touchdowns while catching 28 passes for 132 yards for a total of 1,116 from scrimmage en route to second-team All-Big Ten honors.

Despite setbacks from playing through injury towards the end of the regular season, Allen remains optimistic about his recovery timeline. He anticipates conducting virtual meetings and potential visits with NFL teams in the lead-up to the draft. Braelon Allen looks to continue a string of recent successes by Wisconsin football tailbacks in the pros.

This article first appeared on Badger Notes and was syndicated with permission.

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