2019 Raiders Draft Prospect Profile
Name: Zach Allen
School: Boston College
Position: Defensive End
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 285 pounds
Round Projection: 1-2
Stats
Pass Rush
Due to playing four years and honing his craft, Allen developed an array of moves. Not to mention, he started to string technique together, in order to defeat the tackle. For example, the film shows Allen rushing upfield, disengaging with the inside hand and spinning back into the play. While the spin move, if overused will not work, he uses it judiciously. In addition, Allen will demonstrate a rather strong bull rush that stands tackles up and obscures the sightline of the quarterback. On the other hand, he needs to remember his pad height and not allow it to rise. With few technical issues, a solid DL coach will not have much to clean up. Instead, Allen presents as a prospect with unique rush tools.
Run Stuffing
While pass rushing draws applause, run stopping wins games. Allen’s lengths, strength, and ability to set the edge shines through. By using above average instincts, he will not necessarily crash down on running plays, vacating open field on the perimeter. Meanwhile, Allen will slide inside to stop plays away from him, by splitting the linemen at the snap.
Speed
Granted, Allen projects as a different type of edge. Although he does not possess blinding burst, he will win with timing and a quicker first step. Consequently, Allen’s closing speed rates average to slightly above. However, that fire off the line makes him appear much faster.
Tackling
Early on, Allen featured a gravity tackle. That is to say, he used his frame and not technical prowess to drag the defender to the ground.Now, with hundreds of snaps under his belt, Allen lowers his pads, plays behind them, and drives his eight through the intended target. For a 285-pound end, he displays incredible dexterity when stopping the ballcarrier.
Raiders Fit
In reality, the Raiders need more than one defensive end in this draft. For those of you committed to Arden Key, remember his shortcomings.Teams will continue to run towards him, begging for a stop. However, if the Raiders go with Allen in the late first, early second, they could slot him at left end. Considering the strength of the AFC West rushing attack, someone to set the edge becomes a necessity. In addition, with Allen’s array of rush moves, he could excel as a three-down end. Meanwhile, Key could morph into a situational pass rushing. As a result, he stays fresher and effective late into games. Without a doubt, Allen’s arm length, power, and style of play profile as a Guenther end, despite not posting gaudy numbers.
