In what may be a sign of trends in the modern day NFL, running backs are starting to come out as early as possible to help their shelf life in an unforgiving league that has ultimately devalued the running back position. Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen is taking full advantage of his young age and college success by taking the leap to the league at only 19 years old.
Allen has dominated during his time at Wisconsin since playing as a true Freshman. During his three-year stint with the Badgers, Allen managed to put up 3,494 rushing yards, for a 5.9-yard per-carry average, and punched it into the end zone 35 times. During his final season in Wisconsin, Allen matched a career-high 12 touchdowns and notched over 1,000 scrimmage yards.
In what is expected to be a very deep running back class, Allen sticks out as an obvious top-five player at his position. Allen is a violent runner who makes plays all over the field; he possesses solid hands and can be a three-down back in the NFL. His age only stands to benefit him given the current expected age of the RB position’s downturn is 30 years old. Allen will likely find himself going in the second-to-third round of the draft as one of the top backs in the class.