Former Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen recently received his official invite to the 2024 NFL combine. The former Badger declared for the 2024 NFL draft in November after the team’s regular season, and he is projected to be a fourth- or fifth-round pick.
With the end of the NFL season comes the start of draft preparation, which leads most NFL writers to start generating comparisons for the upcoming draft prospects. Allen received one earlier this week: Packers running back A.J. Dillon.
The comparison makes sense on the surface. Allen is a larger back with a bruising running style, just like Dillon. The two have had their ups and downs — Allen with injuries and Dillon with inconsistent effectiveness — but each presents clear value to an NFL offense: a powerful runner that can wear down defenses and excel in short-yardage situations.
Wisconsin RB Braelon Allen's pro comparison is A.J. Dillon đź’Ş https://t.co/dNmCy3c9Wp pic.twitter.com/xB2ZV2LZLe
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) February 7, 2024
Now, Allen is the faster of the two and may have a higher ceiling. But Dillon is already a four-year NFL veteran with clear staying power. The former Wisconsin running back still has much to prove in that respect.
Allen is off to the NFL after a successful college career that included 597 carries, 3494 yards and 35 touchdowns. He finished his career in ninth place on Wisconsin’s all-time rushing leader board.
I’d argue the professional career of Dillon would be a success for Allen at this stage in the draft process.