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2019 NFL Draft: Boston College’s Zach Allen Scouting Report

By Jon Dove

CHESTNUT HILL, MA - OCTOBER 27: Zach Allen #2 of the Boston College Eagles celebrates after the Eagles stopped the Florida State Seminoles on a fourth down during the third quarter at Alumni Stadium on October 27, 2017 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
CHESTNUT HILL, MA - OCTOBER 27: Zach Allen #2 of the Boston College Eagles celebrates after the Eagles stopped the Florida State Seminoles on a fourth down during the third quarter at Alumni Stadium on October 27, 2017 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Boston College’s Zach Allen is one of the more underrated 2019 NFL Draft prospects.

Zach Allen is a unique prospect based on his combination of size and quickness. His production over the course of his career gives him a chance to be one of the early picks of the 2019 NFL Draft. It’s especially true if his Combine numbers match what shows up on tape.

Allen features good length, long arms and a thick build. He has the frame of a 3-technique defensive tackle. However, Boston College has mainly used him on the edge.

The reason he gets time at defensive end is because he has excellent athleticism for his size. He has an explosive 1st step which allows him to quickly get off the snap. His overall short-area burst helps him put immediate pressure on the blocker.

Allen also has good lateral quickness that gives him the ability to work counter moves. His ability to rush with quickness complements his power.

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This is a natural strong defender who holds at the point of attack and controls the action with his hands. Allen is committed to gaining inside hands which helps him keep the blocker off his frame. His upper body strength increases his effectiveness by pressing the offensive lineman and creating space.

Allen’s hand usage is equally important to his success as a pass rusher and run stuffer. As a rusher, he has multiple options to create pressure. It also helps that he is a relentless attacker who has a non-stop motor.

While he features good quickness, he won’t be confused with those elite speed rushers. His game is more rounded and relies on his power rush. It will be interesting to see if NFL teams are willing to use him as a traditional defensive end or look to move him inside.

His best fit would be as a 5-technique in a system similar to the one run by the Seattle Seahawks. He reminds me a lot of Michael Bennett in the way he impacts both aspects of the game.

Overall, this is a very talented prospect who routinely puts pressure on the offense. His versatility and size/speed combination separates him from other prospects in this draft.

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