Scouting Wisconsin Football RB Braelon Allen Ahead of the NFL Draft

Originally posted on Badger Notes | By Ryan Andersen | Last updated 2/18/24

Braelon Allen came to Madison back in 2021 after reclassifying, destined to be a star for the Wisconsin Badgers football program.

Allen’s gaudy lifting numbers made headlines, and his imposing stature announced his presence with authority. He broke into the starting lineup early and never let go. He was well on his way to becoming the next great Wisconsin Badgers running back.

The hype around the young star and some solid stats to back it up would indicate mission accomplished, but he leaves Madison with a complicated legacy.

Despite his physical skills, his journey to success had a few detours, whether it was nagging injuries, coaching changes, etc. Allen never quite took that jump into elite status.

That might sound crazy when you look at three seasons averaging over 1000 yards and 11 TDs, but at a program like Wisconsin football has built, the expectation level is to be the next great, not the next solid.

Examining the NFL Potential of Wisconsin Football RB Braelon Allen

It is evident that former Wisconsin football tailback Braelon Allen excels as a powerful runner with impressive balance, especially for his size.

His short area acceleration is also impressive, but this all goes without question. It is his shortcomings that will present challenges for his transition to the next level.

The Fond du Lac native struggles at times when you look beyond the highlight film and watch his fundamentals, especially in the passing game.

Nevertheless, Allen’s combination of size, strength, and punishing running style positions him as an ideal candidate for a place in a modern NFL backfield as the RB-by-committee approach takes its foothold.