The New York Jets’ breakout rookie running back is explaining why he thinks he fell in the 2024 NFL draft.
Responding to a user asking why he feel to the fourth round of the draft, Braelon Allen kept it very simple in his response.
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“Everyone wanted to see me run in my underwear to decide if I was a good football player,” said Allen.
Everyone wanted to see me run in my underwear to decide if I was a good football player https://t.co/npblJ6ykjf
— Braelon Allen (@BraelonAllen) September 20, 2024
In fairness, the NFL Scouting Combine has some importance. Teams like to have baseline athleticism-testing numbers to compare to players. This can allow them to find gems later in the draft or pass on players that they see as potential busts.
However, it seems that teams simply disregarded Allen’s years of production at Wisconsin during the draft process.
Immediately making an impact as a 17-year-old true freshman, Allen recorded over 1,200 rushing yards in each of his first two seasons (2021-22). He averaged no less than 5.0 yards per carry in each of those seasons and had over 10 touchdowns in both years as well.
While his yardage dipped in 2023, Allen’s 12 touchdowns were the same mark he posted in 2022. His 5.4 yards per carry was also the same mark from 2022.
The main difference was the scheme Allen played in during his 2023 season at Wisconsin. Shifting from a gap to a zone scheme, Allen did not look as comfortable getting downhill. Considering his frame, a side-to-side scheme did not fit his abilities, while the more downhill style used in 2022 and 2021 did.
New York, who shifted to a more gap-heavy scheme this season, realized where Allen’s strengths lay. As a result, they benefit from the rookie’s high level of play to start his NFL career. And if he continues to play at a high level, Allen will continue to make other teams look foolish for letting him slip so far in the draft.
