The NFL Scouting Combine begins on Wednesday, and nine former Penn State Nittany Lions will be in attendance in Indianapolis. However, none may have as frustrating a week as the program’s all-time leading rusher, Kaytron Allen.
Allen was a star in Happy Valley, and in a thin running back class, he’s in the running to be RB2 behind Notre Dame superstar Jeremiyah Love, the only surefire first-round pick at the position. In terms of production, there was no player in this class more prolific across their collegiate career than Allen, but “Fatman,” as he’s affectionately known, is not likely to test off the charts at Lucas Oil Stadium when the running backs take the field on Saturday.
Kaytron Allen is not built for the scouting combine
The flashiest number to come out of the scouting combine every year is the 40-yard dash times, and while Allen showcased a bit of breakaway speed during his time at Penn State, he’s not a burner. The 5-foot-11, 220-pounder relies on his vision, balance, and physicality to succeed, not his pure athleticism. That's why he was such a standout in team drills at the Senior Bowl.
Allen won’t run the fastest 40-yard dash, and even when his size is factored in, which is done with the relative athleticism score, he likely won’t be one of the best athletes in this class. His RAS should help his cause, but he's still unlikely to blow NFL teams away, and with so much tread worn off his tires from 769 carries and 4,180 yards over four years at Penn State, decision-makers could get weary. Those who do are making a mistake.
Kaytron Allen is built for the NFL
Allen is not the type of running back who is going to look great practicing in shorts and making cuts against air. He’s the type of running back who is a nightmare to bring down, always finds the hole, and is ready to inflict punishment on defenders. He’s at his best in pads, and no matter how he performs at the combine, he should be considered one of the top backs in this class.
As it constantly does, the NFL's offensive ethos has shifted once again. After years of one-cut speedsters dominating in Shanahan-esque outside zone schemes, the league has gone back to more power running. The best run game in the NFL last year, the LA Rams, are primarily a duo team, which requires great vision between the tackles; Allen’s specialty. Kyren Williams and Blake Corum are two backs, much like Allen, who were elite producers in college, but not combine stars, and they’ve thrived in LA.
With the league getting back to heavy formations and a physical style of play, Allen is the perfect back to break tackles, move the chains, and hit the occasional big play, no matter what his 40-yard dash time is in Indy this week. Allen will be a good pro, but the combine could be a low point in his pre-draft process.
If he manages to show out, though, then he will position himself as the clear RB2 to Love and a lock as a Day 2 pick.