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Detroit Lions 2017 NFL Draft Watchlist: Texas A&M at Alabama

By Erik Schlitt

Oct 17, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jarran Reed (90) celebrates after a play during the third quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. The Crimson Tide defeated the Aggies 41-23. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jarran Reed (90) celebrates after a play during the third quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. The Crimson Tide defeated the Aggies 41-23. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93). Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93). Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

Jonathan Allen
Senior
Defensive lineman
#93
6’2 1/2″, 294

Projected Round: Top 10

Jonathan Allen has been an important part of Alabama’s defensive line from the day he stepped on campus. His freshman season he saw time as a backup defensive end appearing in all 13 games. As a sophomore, he again contributed at defensive end, totaling five and a half sacks on his way to an All-SEC nomination. When he entered his junior season, he dominated, registering 12 sacks, all against Power-5 teams.

Allen has terrific positional versatility, lining up at several spots along the defensive front. He showed excellent versatility when lining up at the 3-technique which many scouts think will be his best spot in the NFL. His ability to also play as a 5-Technique will also making him appealing to teams who run a 3-4 scheme.

Biggest Strengths:

  • positional versatility
  • hand quickness
  • awareness
  • strength

Biggest Weaknesses:

  • lacks elite quickness off the edge
  • burst

A Scouts Take

Current NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah had this to say about Allen:

"Technician. That is the word that comes to mind after studying Allen. NFL defensive line coaches could easily compile a teaching tape based on how he attacks and gets off blocks. He can survive at defensive end on run downs if needed, but I believe he’s ideally skilled to be a very disruptive defensive tackle at the next level. There will be very little assembly required once he lands on an NFL team. For an early comparison, I’d lean toward the Titans‘ Jurrell Casey. They have similar body types and both players have outstanding hand quickness."

The Lions have two current starters, 3-technique Tyrunn Walker and left defensive end Devin Taylor, that are in contract years. Therefore, if the Lions move on from one or both of these players, Jonathan Allen could be a possible replacement.

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