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Wisconsin Football Star Delivers Mixed Performance at NFL Combine

Originally posted on Badger Notes  |  By Dillon Graff  |  Last updated 3/4/24

Braelon Allen, the former star running back for the Wisconsin football program, didn’t offer NFL scouts a ton of clarity regarding his straight-line speed or agility during drills at the Combine.

Despite skipping the ReliaQuest Bowl to prepare for the Combine, the Fond du Lac native opted out of the 40-yard dash, the 20-yard shuttle, and the three-cone drill, leaving some scouts eager for answers.

Allen later showcased a mixed performance during on-field workouts, exhibiting command and elusiveness in ball-carrying simulations while struggling with a few dropped passes during route-running sessions.

At 20 years old, Braelon Allen is the youngest player in the 2024 NFL Draft and has three consecutive second-team All-Big Ten finishes under his belt, making him an intriguing option for teams as a potential top 100 pick.

“Of course, I think it helps me,” Allen said, reference being just 20 years old. “You know you want a guy who is still a little more fresh, has some development that can be made still. I think it’s definitely an advantage.”

Combine Performance Numbers for Braelon Allen

During the NFL Combine, the former Wisconsin football standout demonstrated a 32-inch vertical jump, placing him 18th out of 20 participating running backs. 

Allen’s broad jump of 9 feet and 9 inches ranked him 15th among the same group. However, Allen made his mark during the bench press, where he was able to rep 225 pounds 26 times, which was the second-best behind only Michigan tailback Blake Corum. 

Additionally, Allen’s official NFL Combine measurements revealed a slight decrease in weight, standing at 6-foot-1 inches tall and weighing 235 pounds. This means he shed 10 pounds from his previously listed weight during this past season with the Wisconsin Badgers.

Of note, former Wisconsin football player Isaac Guerendo clocked the fastest 40-yard dash time among running backs at an impressive 4.33 seconds, placing him among the top performers overall.

Moreover, he recorded the highest vertical leap at 41½ inches and the second-best broad jump at 10 feet, 9 inches. His relative athletic score (RAS) of 9.99, as assessed by Kent Lee Platte, ranks him second among 1,745 running backs tested at the Combine since 1987.

What’s Next for the Wisconsin Football Running Back?

Allen’s next opportunity to showcase his skills and impress scouts will be at Wisconsin’s pro day in mid-March. Barring any setbacks, Allen is expected to participate in a full range of workouts and drills, aiming to solidify himself as a top 100 draft selection. 

While scouts would have loved to see Allen run down in Indianapolis, his youth, physical stature, and overall production across three years will have him on most running back needy team’s radars. 

Upon declaring for the NFL Draft following his junior season, Allen ranked ninth on the Wisconsin football program’s all-time rushing list. He amassed 3,494 yards on 594 carries, accompanied by 35 touchdowns. According to Pro Football Focus, of those 3,494 yards, 2,182 came after contact — for an average of 3.66 yards per contact each carry. 

The in-state product should become a perfect compliment at the next level as a thunder to somebody else’s lightning.

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

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