Eagles Draft Picks: Wisconsin blog provides insight on NT Beau Allen

With their seventh round pick (No. 224) in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles selected Wisconsin nose tackle Beau Allen. Allen is expected to compete for playing time at NT, and most likely in a backup role behind starter Bennie Logan. Bleeding Green Nation's Mike Kaye profiled Allen last week, but I thought it would be equally useful to acquire an insider's insight. Andrew Rosin of SB Nation Wisconsin blog Bucky's 5th Quarter was kind enough to contribute his answers to my questions about Allen. Here's how it turned out:

1) What is Beau Allen's NFL potential?

Now you could tell me that I'm being biased, and I just might be. But I think Beau Allen has a chance to be a real good starter in the NFL. I would be surprised if he ends up getting any sort of pro bowl accolades, but he could be a sort of eight years as a starter in a ten-to-twelve year career type of player.

2) What are his strengths?

His biggest strength is as a sort of space eater who held up at the point of attack. The nose tackle in the Badgers defense was never going to be statistically dominant, but if you ask any Badger fan the reason why the run defense was so dominant? They would credit Allen. Also, if you asked Allen to crash through a single gap? He can penetrate with a quick burst off the line and good functional strength. As a sophomore and a junior he had 13.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks from the inside. This also goes to show that he's a very experienced and durable player. At least at the collegiate level.

3) What are his weaknesses?

His biggest weakness is in terms of lateral agility. He's good at crashing gaps, but there were moments in his sophomore and junior seasons where the quarterback or a running back was able to avoid Allen's attack. He also wasn't able to take your lateral agility tests (the cones and shuttles and what have you) on his pro day. Also, as I've said before, on passing downs all he was really asked to do was crash through a gap. It worked often, but that's likely going to remain as something in college without improvement.

4) It seems like Allen has a colorful personality. Any fun stories to tell?

Outside of the time he once broke out this glorious outfit because I asked on the blog? I have had limited experience with Allen. But he's definitely charismatic. There's a definitely a difference between "funny" and "athlete funny." And Beau leans more toward funny than athlete funny.

5) Anything else you want to let us know about Allen?

Allen was a good college player. It's not out of the question that he's already found his way to his athletic ceiling. But as it is, he can start for you. If there's another level to his game? You've found yourself an absolute steal.

Thanks again to Andrew and make sure you check out B5Q.