Keenan Allen Getting All the Attention

September15, 2012; Columbus, OH, USA; California Golden Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (21) breaks a tackle attempted by Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Orhian Johnson (19) at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 35-28. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-US PRESSWIRE

Keenan Allen dominated in his sophomore year putting up over 1300 yards and hauling in six touchdowns on 98 receptions. After such an impressive performance, Allen vaulted himself into the conversation for the top wide receiver in the 2013 draft.

This year Allen is seeing much more attention from opposing defenses. Marvin Jones, Cal’s other starter last year, was drafted by the Bengals. As Cal’s only significant receiving threat, Allen is being bracketed.

At 6’3” and 210 pounds, Allen is a big target that is physical at the line of scrimmage and aggressive going after the ball in the air.

This season will be a good test for Allen as he is the focal point of the Cal offense. He is currently expected to be drafted in the top 20 as one of the best receivers in the draft. If he does get drafted that early, he will surely go to a team without many weapons, where he will certainly see a lot of attention from defenders.

Allen does not have athleticism that jumps off the screen. He is an intelligent wide receiver who is good at finding holes in zones. What he lacks in straight-line speed he makes up for in fluidity and quickness. He is great in the open field and often gets yards after catching the ball.

Allen has been solid so far this season with 20 receptions for 216 yards, but he only has   yet to go over 80 yards receiving in a game and has only found the endzone once catching the ball.

He has shown he can be a versatile threat as he has a punt return touchdown as well as a rushing touchdown.

Allen needs to show he can beat bracketing-man coverage. He has has shown he has the intelligence and quickness to thrive against the zone coverages. He has the length and physicality to beat his corner at the line, but he needs to show his lack of speed won’t hurt him at getting to the next level.

Allen has prototypical size and hands and is a very intelligent player for being just a junior. As it stands, Allen should be a high pick who is expected to be an impact offensive player early on. If he wants to be considered a day one starter like an AJ Green or Julio Jones, he needs to show he has what it takes to beat tough coverages.