Tag: Chris Allen

Former Alabama LB Christopher Allen placed on season-ending IR ahead of rookie season

Former Alabama OLB Chris Allen will be sidelined for the entire 2022-2023 season as he is still recovering from a previous foot injury that occurred at Alabama.

Former Alabama edge rusher Christopher Allen always had an impactful presence when he was on the field for the Crimson Tide. Injuries were a reoccurring issue for Allen. In 2018, he was sidelined for the whole season due to a knee injury. Then, in 2021, he suffered a season-ending foot injury.

Although he had a history of injuries, the Louisiana native declared for the 2022 NFL draft. He would go undrafted and sign with the Denver Broncos. He was poised to make a return from the foot injury that he suffered in Alabama. However, that won’t be the case.

Mike Klis of 9News in Denver tweeted that Allen was placed on season-ending IR (injured reserve). Allen will not see the field for the Broncos this upcoming season. He will be paid $430,000, though. It hasn’t been easy for Allen over the last few years. Nonetheless, Alabama fans are hopeful that he will return and be better than ever.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Allen’s professional career as well as other former Alabama players in the NFL.

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Broncos undrafted free agent tracker: View the team’s UDFA signings

We are tracking all of the Broncos’ undrafted free agent signings on this page.

After selecting nine players in the 2022 NFL draft, the Denver Broncos have room for 10 undrafted free agents signings. We will be tracking all of the team’s UDFA moves on this page.

Fans should note that none of these signings are official until confirmed by the team. Sometimes players are invited to rookie minicamp on a tryout basis and mistakenly reported as UDFA signings. The official list from the team will arrive in the coming days.

Broncos undrafted free agent signings

1. East Carolina CB Ja’Quan McMillian (source)
2. Alabama LB Chris Allen (source)
3. Buffalo LB Kadofi Wright (source)
4. Minot State OL Sebastian Gutierrez (source)
5. App State WR Jalen Virgil (source)
6. NC State TE Dylan Parham (source)

Before the draft, Broncos general manager George Paton noted that this year’s UDFA class is deeper than usual because of COVID-19 extending college careers for many prospects.

“[The] free agent class will be a lot deeper,” Paton said last Friday. “Last year’s free agent class, I mean, we were done in about five minutes. … It just wasn’t as deep, so I expect there to be a deeper class in the later rounds and college free agency.”

Last year’s UDFA class included outside linebacker Andre Mintze, who is now a key special teams player for Denver.

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Former Alabama LB Chris Allen signs with the Denver Broncos as UDFA

After going undrafted, Chris Allen has signed with the Denver Broncos!

Former Alabama linebacker [autotag]Chris Allen[/autotag] has been signed by the Denver Broncos after going un-drafted in the 2022 NFL draft.

Allen began playing extensively during the 2019 season, but became a full-time starter during the 2020 season. Allen was an anchor of the Tide defense that won a national title that year.

During that 2020 campaign, Allen racked up 37 tackles, with 13 going for a loss, which lead the conference. Allen also forced two fumbles for good measure, and received second team All-SEC accolades.

Allen unfortunately missed the entire 2021 season with a foot injury he suffered vs. Miami in the season opener.

The Broncos seem to be a great landing spot for the 6’4″, 242 pound Baton Rouge native. Denver has had great edge rushers recently such as Von Miller and Bradley Chubb, and Allen looks to follow suit.

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Report: Dolphins recently met with three SEC defenders

Picking defensive players from one of the strongest conferences could be a smart idea.

The 2022 NFL draft kicks off in just over 24 hours, and news of meetings between the Miami Dolphins and prospects continues to trickle out from various outlets.

According to the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson, the Dolphins met with both Alabama linebacker Christopher Allen and Georgia cornerback Derion Kendrick recently. Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson also reported this week that Miami virtually met with Arkansas defensive tackle John Ridgeway.

The trio of SEC defenders could all find a role in Josh Boyer’s defense to help continue the impressive performances that they were putting up during the second half of the 2021 season.

Allen, who is expected to go in the middle rounds of the draft, could’ve been a higher selection if he didn’t break his foot in the season opener against the Miami Hurricanes last season and miss all of 2018 due to a knee injury. That’s why his numbers (54 tackles, 6.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery) look a little light.

“Two injuries robbed Allan of valuable game experience and dulled some of his development,” NFL analyst Lance Zierlein said about Allen. “He’s a physical specimen with the strength to hold his own at the point and rid himself of single blocks with twitch and technique. However, he often seems lost in terms of play recognition and what he needs to do to get in on a play. He has some upfield rush charge but isn’t a natural bend-and-trim rusher, so building out a more thoughtful, diversified attack is a must. Allen has the traits to play edge in odd or even fronts but additional development is critical if he wants to become more than just a quality rotational defender.”

Kendrick transferred to Georgia for his final season after three years at Clemson. In total, he finished his collegiate career with 104 tackles, 14 passes defended, seven interceptions, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and one sack. He’s projected to go in the late rounds.

“Cornerback with four years of playoff experience and two national titles under his belt,” Zierlein wrote about the Bulldog. “Kendrick has played against some of the best wideouts in the game but has a history of struggling in some of those matchups. He lacks speed and strength to stay outside but his quickness and route recognition should help him move inside as a nickel. He’s athletic and capable underneath with excellent ball skills but can be exploited by long speed and needs safety help in those matchups. He’s unreliable as a tackler, but concerns over character and maturity appear to be a bigger issue for him. Talent and those concerns need to be weighed, but Kendrick has CB3/CB4 potential in the right scheme.”

Ridgeway played at Illinois State before transferring to Arkansas for the 2021 season. He started 11 games, putting up 39 tackles and two sacks for the Razorbacks while taking on a number of double teams in arguably the toughest conference in college football. Ridgeway is projected to be selected in the middle rounds, but he could provide some help with keeping opposing rushing attacks to a minimum for Miami.

“College nose tackle with the size and length for consideration along the interior or as an odd front defensive end,” Zierlein wrote about the nose tackle.” Ridgeway is more wrestler than gap-eater when taking on blocks as a nose. He’s likely to be coveted by traits-based evaluators eager to develop the physical ingredients into a more polished product. While most of his experience has come at nose tackle, the sum of his parts might make more sense as a 3-4 defensive end, where his long arms and natural power would become more beneficial as an edge-setter. Regardless of position, he won’t offer much help as a pass rusher, so rotational lineman with upside is likely to become his tag as a Day 3 prospect.

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NFL Draft Diamonds has 11 former Tide players in latest 2022 NFL draft big board

Here is where NFL Draft Diamonds has these 11 former Alabama stars ranked on its big board.

We are less than six weeks away from the 2022 NFL draft and mock drafts and big boards are now being updated almost daily. Nick Saban’s recruiting success at Alabama has not only brought several championships to Tuscaloosa, but it has also made the NFL draft an event that all Tide fans are tuned in to.

NFL Draft Diamonds recently updated its 2022 NFL draft big board and a total of 11 former Crimson Tide players landed inside the top 350.

Let’s take a look at which former Alabama stars landed on the list and where they are ranked.

Grading Alabama’s defensive position groups at the halfway point

Let’s look at how the Alabama defensive position units have graded out at the halfway point of the season!

Unfortunately, we are already at the halfway point of the college football season. After last week’s loss to Texas A&M, Alabama sits at No. 5 in the country with a 5-1 record.

Since we have made it to the halfway point, it is time to give a midseason grade to each of the position groups. Yesterday we looked at the offensive position groups. Today we will look at the defensive position groups! Let’s get started!

Defensive Line B-

This group has been a little disappointing this season, but they have not been bad by any stretch of the imagination. Only one guy has been a consistent force on the defensive line for Alabama and that is Phidarian Mathis.

Mathis has racked up 3.5 sacks through the halfway point, which is a very solid number for an interior defensive lineman.

Some of the players such as Justin Eboigbe, DJ Dale, Byron Young, and even Tim Smith need to become more consistent players for the Tide.

Outside Linebackers A

Will Anderson has been an absolute animal for the Alabama defense. Anderon has three sacks on the season but is also third in the country in tackles for loss with 11.

Unfortunately, injuries have plagued the outside linebacker position opposite of Anderson. Christopher Allen’s season was cut short in the opener against Miami so Drew Sanders replaced the talented Allen. Then against Ole Miss, Sanders suffered a hand injury and is now week-to-week so to speak.

True freshman Dallas Turner has stepped up in the absence of Sanders and is doing a pretty good job.

The outside linebackers have been the most positive group along the defense this season.

Inside Linebackers C+

The lofty expectations for the Alabama defense heading into the 2021 season had a lot to do with the pair of inside linebackers that Alabama would have in Christian Harris and Henry To’oT’o.

Now that we are at the halfway point, it is safe to say those two players have not lived up to expectations. Now don’t get me wrong, they have flashed how great they can, but they both have also missed tackles and missed assignments. And they are both better than what they played so far.

Let’s see if they can turn this around in the second half of the season.

Cornerbacks B+

This group, much like the outside linebacker group, has really played pretty consistently all season. Josh Jobe has had the occasional penalty, but if we are being honest, in the pass and flag happy world in which college football is played, some penalties are to be expected.

Jalyn Armour-Davis has maybe been the surprise player of the season for the Tide. He is always in position and if he doesn’t make a play on the ball, he brings the receiver down quickly with no yards after the catch.

We have also seen the backups get a start this season in Kool-Aid McKinstry and Marcs Banks and they have proven to be valuable depth at the cornerback position.

Safeties / Stars C+

It is a common theme among the Alabama defense this season, the word inconsistent. Alabama returned plenty of experience in the back end of the defense and for whatever reason, they have simply not performed to their capabilities.

Jordan Battle isn’t an elite safety, he’s just steady. DeMarcco Hellams is constantly caught out of position and displays poor open-field tackling. Then you have Malachi Moore and Brian Branch who have yet to make a splash play from the star position.

The season is only half over, so that means there is plenty of time for each position group to correct its mistakes and get back to the Alabama defensive standard.

Stay tuned to Roll Tide Wire for all the latest on the Crimson Tide!

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Stacey Blackwood on Twitter @Blackwood89.

Alabama LB Chris Allen likely out for season with foot injury, replacement named

Chris Allen will undergo foot surgery, Saban names his replacement

Alabama walked away from their season-opening contest against No. 14 Miami a winner, but they lost a vital piece of the defense: redshirt senior linebacker, Chris Allen.

Allen went down in the second quarter and left the field, not returning for the remainder of the game.

Today, Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban spoke to the media and made Allen’s inability to return for the rest of the season official. He suffered a fracture in his foot and will require surgery.

When Allen left the game, sophomore Drew Sanders came in as his replacement and finished the contest with six totals tackles.

Saban promptly named Sanders the replacement for Allen, and if you’ve seen Sanders’ high school highlights you’re likely very excited to see what he can do on this level.

Roll Tide wire wishes Allen a speedy recovery and will continue to publish updates regarding his health and his estimated return.

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Alabama football position preview: Linebackers

Alabama football position preview: Linebackers

Yesterday we started our series of position previews with the defensive backs and today move inside the box with the linebackers.

We are going to look at the four starters at linebacker and then a bonus player that I expect to get plenty of reps. Let’s get started!

Alabama lands a few more on preseason watch lists

Alabama has a few more playing landing on preseason watch lists!

The preseason watch lists continue to be released and Alabama continues to be represented.

It was announced earlier today that redshirt senior Christopher Allen, sophomore Will Anderson, and junior Christian Harris have been named to the Butkus Award Preseason Watch List. The Butkus Award is given to the best linebacker in the country. Allen and Anderson make up what could be the best outside linebacker duo in the country. Harris looks to add to what is a legendary inside linebacker legacy at Alabama.

It was also announced that junior Jordan Battle and senior Josh Jobe were named to the Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List. The Thorpe Award is given to the nation’s best defensive back. Battle looks to be a leader in the back end of the Alabama defense this season. Jobe will have the responsibility of being a lockdown corner that has been a staple of the Nick Saban defense.

Stay connected to Roll Tide Wire for all the latest on the Crimson Tide!

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Alabama player snapshot: No. 4 Christopher Allen

Redshirt junior Christopher Allen is the next man up on Alabama football’s player snapshot, which highlights each scholarship player.

As we continue through the offseason, Roll Tide Wire has decided to bring fans a quick snapshot of each scholarship player listed on Alabama’s 2020 football roster.

Each day, we’ll release anywhere from 2-4 player profiles giving fans a glimpse into the players who will be available this upcoming season. Whether that’s size, classification, hometowns or recruiting rankings coming out of high school, we’ve got you covered.

Also included in each article is a quick recap letting you know what to expect from that player for the upcoming 2020 season and beyond.

Next up on the list is outside linebacker Christopher Allen out of Baton Rogue (La.).

Christopher Allen, Outside Linebacker

New Mexico State quarterback Josh Adkins (14) is sacked by Alabama linebacker Christopher Allen (4), defensive back DeMarcco Hellams (29) and defensive lineman Christian Barmore (58) at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday September 7, 2019. Mickey Welsh / Montgomery Advertiser

Height: 6-4 / Weight: 250

Class: Redshirt Junior

Hometown: Baton Rogue (La.)

High School: Southern University Lab School

HS ranking (247Sports): 4-star / No. 104 overrall / No. 4 ILB / No. 5 FL

HS ranking (Rivals): 4-star / No. 216 overrall / No. 14 OLB / No. 9 FL

Analysis: The 2020 season is going to be Christopher Allen’s time to shine. After being limited by injuries and a rotational role through his first three seasons on campus, Allen will not be the most experienced edge player on the roster.

The 6-foot-4, 250-pounder brings a balanced approach to the field, as he’s shown flashes of being a productive pass rusher while also being effective at stopping the run.

So far in his career, Allen only has 17 total tackles to go along with 5.5 tackles for loss and half a sack, but his experience within the program will be his biggest asset. Expect that career sack number to increase dramatically this upcoming season.

Also expect Allen’s presence to be extremely beneficial for the young group of edge players coming in from the 2020 recruiting class, which includes Will Anderson, Chris Braswell, Drew Sanders and Quandarrius Robinson.

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