Brandon Allen, QB, Arkansas: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report
By Ross Woomer
Brandon Allen concluded his career at Arkansas with a significant jump in numbers. His Senior season, he threw for almost 3,500 yards and completed 65% of his passes.
Allen threw for just over 3,500 yards his sophomore and junior seasons combined and in those two years, throughout 24 games, he threw for 33 touchdowns. In his senior season alone he threw for 30 touchdowns in 13 games.
Allen holds a school record with 64 career touchdown passes.
He had two monster performances against SEC opponents in the back half of his senior season. He threw for six touchdowns and 442 yards in an overtime thriller at Mississippi and threw seven touchdowns for 406 yards in a loss to Mississippi State. Allen connected with Junior wide receiver Drew Morgan 16 times for four touchdowns in those two games.
Measurables
Height: 6′ 1.5
Weight: 212
Hand width: 8.5 in
Strengths
Since Allen emerged as Arkansas’s starter, he had missed only one game due to injury (Rutgers – sophomore year). Voted as a team captain, he’s shown to have both self commitment and belief from his teammates. Signs of leadership teams look for in a quarterback.
Allen has a quick release. He steps into downfield passes and drives the ball with his body. Allen displays heightened awareness of defenders and their presence around him. He commits to throws even when a hit is to follow. Allen throws tight spirals and sells play-fakes.
Weaknesses
Allen is shorter in stature in comparison to other quarterbacks and has small hands at 8.5 inches (size medium glove). He isn’t a threat with his legs, occasionally misses throws behind his target and can look flustered under duress.
Potential Fits
New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Diego Chargers
Final Thoughts
Allen will need to sit a few years, learning from a veteran quarterback and bulking up in NFL weight rooms. The fact that he tied for ESPN’s highest total QBR (87.8) in the country his senior season shows improvement and should increase his draft stock. Allen is listed as the twelfth ranked quarterback entering the 2016 NFL Draft.