Is Wisconsin RB Braelon Allen the next Derrick Henry, according to the Ravens Combine?
Could Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen’s impressive NFL Combine performance persuade the Ravens to select him in the draft rather than Derrick Henry in free agency?
Many supporters of the Baltimore Ravens are now rooting for veteran running back Derrick Henry to sign a free agent contract, but what if his replacement is selected in the draft?
The NFL Combine is happening this week, and Wisconsin Badger Braelon Allen is one rushing back who might give Baltimore some physicality similar to the aforementioned rusher.
Throughout his three years in college, Allen scored at least eleven running touchdowns and had over 1,200 yards of total ground gain in his freshman and sophomore seasons.
Regretfully, during his junior year, Allen’s output declined, and he was unable to surpass 1,300 yards (1,116) from scrimmage for the first time.
Allen did establish a new career best for single-season receptions with 28, despite 2023 having less rushing production than previous years.
Henry, on the other hand, only had 17 career receptions when he left college, having never really matured as a receiver.
Although Allen is about ten years younger than Henry, he is still only twenty years old. Like Henry, he is physically strong and a formidable opponent when running. Allen also has a growing skill set as a pass receiver.
Allen, who stands 6-2 and weighs 240 pounds, is physically strong and can punish defenders who try to tackle him. For comparison, Derrick Henry’s 2016 NFL Combine measurements were 6-3 and 247 pounds.
Henry concluded his three-year tenure at Alabama with 45 touchdowns and 3,876 yards from scrimmage, averaging 6.3 yards per touch.
While attending Wisconsin, a program known for turning out elite running backs like Melvin Gordon and Jonathan Taylor, Allen amassed 3,769 yards from scrimmage, 5.8 yards per touch, and 35 touchdowns.
When Allen tests this Saturday at the Combine in events like the 40-yard dash, the Ravens should be watching to see if he’s really the next King Henry.
Henry’s time in the 40-yard sprint (4.54 seconds), the 10-yard split (1.56 seconds), the 37-inch vertical (10′ 10 broad jump), the three-cone drill (7.2 seconds), the 20-yard shuttle (4.38 seconds), and the 22 bench reps are some of the metrics to watch and compare to his performance.
Possibly instead of investing in the veteran during free agency, Baltimore may decide to use a second-round choice on Allen if he can match or even surpass Henry’s output from eight years ago.
