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Geronimo Allison: Illinois WR is top 2016 NFL Draft sleeper

By Sayre Bedinger

Oct 10, 2015; Iowa City, IA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Geronimo Allison (8) runs for a touchdown against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the this quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Iowa beat Illinois 29-20. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Iowa City, IA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Geronimo Allison (8) runs for a touchdown against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the this quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Iowa beat Illinois 29-20. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports /
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Illinois WR Geronimo Allison is having a strong week of practice at the East-West Shrine game, and is one of the top 2016 NFL Draft sleepers…

As we approach the 2016 NFL Draft and postseason festivities are underway, it’s time we start taking a look at guys that could be flying under the radar a little bit.

Of course, there are always reasons for them going unnoticed at times…

Illinois WR Geronimo Allison, a former transfer from Iowa Community College, is a player that I’m really excited about. Listed at 6-4, 200 pounds, Allison has a lanky frame, good deep speed, and a developing ability to create separation coupled with an already strong ability to make ridiculous catches.

One thing is obvious from the tape I’ve watched of Allison as a member of Illinois — the quarterback play is not very good. That being said, he has the ability to make some incredible catches and is more than willing to block in the running game.

Allison caught Mike Mayock’s eye at this week’s Shrine practices and proved to NFL coaches and scouts alike that he can play at the next level, the question is just going to be how long it will take him to adjust to the speed at the next level. Against Iowa and Desmond King, Allison made some really nice plays. He showed off some deep speed, he showed off strong hands, an ability to work the middle of the field and the sideline.

What I’m most impressed by with Allison is his ability and willingness to fight for the football, to go up and make a play and exert himself physically over defensive backs. If he can add 10-15 pounds and maintain his speed (we’ll soon know how his timed speed is) I think he’s got a big future ahead of him in the NFL.

Receivers coaches have to love the ability to work with players like Allison who are tough, ready and willing to improve, and have a ton of upside. I think he’s going to be the type of player that can not only make an NFL roster, but make an early impact with his ability to stretch the field and be a red zone threat.

He has star potential, now we’ll see if he can tap into it.

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