Senior Bowl Pass Rushers: Zach Allen
Senior Bowl Pass Rushers: Zach Allen
Who is Zach Allen?
What do former all-pro defensive end Jared Allen and Boston College edge rusher Zach Allen have in common? They both have two first names? They’re both defensive ends? They both enjoy long walks on the beach? The answer: All of the above (I’m calling journalistic liberty on the last one). Moreover, they both excelled at the defensive end position and struck fear into the hearts of the opposition.
Zach Allen stands at 6 feet 5 inches, carrying a solid 285 pounds. This makes him an inch taller and about two pounds heavier than the average NFL defensive end. Those two extra pounds haven’t slowed Allen down in the slightest, with Allen recording the most sacks of his career; 2.5 more than last season despite playing one fewer game.
Zach Allen is currently looked at as a late first round, early second round pick in this year’s NFL draft, however, he will have the opportunity to improve his draft stock in the 2019 Senior Bowl. If you’ve been living under a rock, or your rock doesn’t have cable, let me fill you in. The Senior Bowl is an invite-only exhibition game for college seniors and fourth-year players entering into the NFL draft.
Why is he playing in the senior bowl?
Zach Allen has been a standout edge rusher for the Golden Eagles of Boston College for two full seasons, serving as a team leader and captain over his senior year. His ability to get after the quarterback and stifle the run has earned him All-ACC first team honors. Any team that drafts Allen will be getting a defensive lineman who shows a quick burst out of his formation, violent hands attacking the offensive lineman, and is a strong, balanced tackler. Viewers should look for him to disrupt the South’s offense on Saturday.
Where will he end up on draft day?
Because the NFL has no doubt become a passing league, it is important for defenses to combat a strong passing game with pressure from their front seven. Think of how Joey Bosa or JJ Watt can take over a game just by forcing runs away from them or getting after the quarterback. Their mere presence on the field changes offensive game plans. While these types of players are important, not every team has one; which is where Zach Allen comes in. As I’ve mentioned above, he is likely to go at the bottom of the first round or the top of the second round. Barring any trades, this leaves possible destinations as New England (like they need to get any better), Oakland (but they have Khalil Ma—wait, nevermind), or the Indianapolis Colts (someone has to try and stop the Chiefs, why not them?).
Conclusion
Look for an edge rusher and Jared Allen’s son (again, journalistic liberty) Zach Allen to make some noise on Saturday at the Senior Bowl. The game will be broadcast on the NFL Network and will feature the best college seniors hoping to leave their mark in the NFL.
-By: Nick Selko