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The Eagles needed depth along the defensive line and they got it on Day 3 of the draft. The team drafted Oregon's Taylor Hart and Wisconsin's Beau Allen in the later rounds, which injected the line with new talent. Allen is likely to be a rotational nose tackle that can share time with incumbent starter Bennie Logan.
Allen fits the mold of a Chip Kelly/Billy Davis defender and is a massive human being. While he possess the size and girth to excel at the next level, his success in college should not be understated.
College Career
A top defensive tackle out of Minnetonka, Minnesota, Allen committed to Wisconsin in 2010. He played in all 13 games as a true freshman and collected 15 tackles. As a sophomore, Allen appeared in 14 games and secured 22 tackles (5.5 for loss) and four sacks.
In his junior season, Allen started all 14 games and posted 37 tackles (7.5 for loss), 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble. He appeared in 13 games as a senior (starting 12) and collected 20 tackles (2 for loss) and 1.5 sacks. He never missed a game in college and was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten as well as a consensus All-Big Ten honorable mention recipient.
Pro Day Numbers
*Allen was not invited to the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
Height: 6'2 1/2"
Weight: 329 lbs.
Bench Press: 30 reps
Vertical Jump: 31 inches
Strengths
Allen has violent hands and some nastiness to his game. He can get pressure and has experience stunting. Allen has quality length and opens holes for his linebackers to avoid blocks. He is comfortable attacking and will stone wall running backs. He can collapse the pocket and has quality strength. He has proven to be a durable player that never missed a college game.
Weaknesses
Allen is a bit slow and has trouble changing directions. He is not much of a pass rusher and he runs upright with stiffness in his hips. He gets inconsistent push and can be avoided by passers with limited pocket mobility. He can get taken off his feet by blocks and needs to maintain his balance better.
How He Fits
Allen is a quality backup nose tackle. He isn't going to give you the pass rush that Logan will, but could rotate on running downs and goal line situations. Allen has a big body and can clog holes that Logan would have a lot of trouble with. Allen may be a very good compliment to Logan in that they are complete opposites. Logan is a quick, athletic and feisty interior pass rusher, while Allen is a road block that can stop the run.
In Action