Rams NFL Draft profile: LB Dakota Allen

[BonifayRam]

https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2019/...rofile-lb-dakota-allen-texas-tech-red-raiders
2019 Los Angeles Rams NFL Draft profile: LB Dakota Allen

Reviewing the final pick in the draft for the LA Rams, Sosa states that Dakota Allen could very well crack the 53-man roster.
By Sosa Kremenjas


After reviewing all previous seven selections for the Los Angeles Rams in the 2019 NFL Draft, we’ve finally made it to the end. This time we’re taking a look at Texas Tech Red Raiders LB Dakota Allen.

Allen was only a three-year prospect at Texas Tech due to an arrest (charges dropped) that ultimately got him kicked off the team. Allen was eventually re-instated due to the teams belief in his character, and it payed off to the tune of 249 total tackles, 17.5 tackles-for-loss, two sacks, four interceptions, seven pass deflections, and one forced fumble.

Let’s take a look at the write-up:

Has a lot of short area quickness/burst. Does a good job eyeing quarterbacks and timing his jump to affect passing lanes/bat passes. Aware in zone coverage though he lacks the top-end speed and range to cover a large area. Willing to take on blockers in the run game in an aggressive manner, though he doesn’t put himself in a position to stack and shed. Capable blitzer. Gets stuck on blocks. Powerful hitter who’s a decent tackler.

This rep shows Allen’s ability to play in today’s NFL. He’s in zone coverage towards the flat. Once the quarterback lets go of the pass, Allen breaks towards the running back, closes the gap between them, and secures the tackle for a minimal gain:

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Ultimately, Allen is a longshot, though he’s one worth taking in the seventh round of the draft. He’s not the most athletic linebacker by today’s standards, though his quickness in short area spaces allows him to minimize a lot of those concerns. His IQ and aggressiveness towards the ball are positives to his game. Allen is likely to contribute on special teams, particularly because that’ll be the easiest way for him to work his way onto the 53-man roster.

Here is Long’s athletic profile via MockDraftable:

 

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https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2835575-predicting-nfls-2019-surprise-impact-rookies#slide6

Predicting NFL's 2019 Surprise-Impact Rookies
Maurice Moton

ILB Dakota Allen, Los Angeles Rams

1. 
   
   
   
   John Weast/Getty Images
   A seventh-round pick's ascension to a starting position is the epitome of a storyline filled with defying odds. And it's a fit for Dakota Allen.
   
   In 2016, Texas Tech dismissed Allen from the program after he was arrested for a home burglary. He appeared on Last Chance U, a Netflix series that highlighted collegians who were needed new opportunities to pursue their football aspirations. The Red Raiders accepted Allen back into the program, and he became a team captain in his last two terms.
   
   Allen's rough road to the NFL likely factored into his draft placement, but he'll suit up for a team that's not quite settled at inside linebacker.
   
   The Los Angeles Rams signed linebacker Clay Matthews, who could line up on the inside, but he's 33 years old. The coaching staff may limit his snaps at this stage, especially after a down year in Green Bay. Meanwhile, Micah Kiser, a 2018 fifth-rounder, didn't play a defensive snap last season and only contributed to special teams.
   
   Looking at Allen's collegiate film, he should give the Rams a physical boost in run defense and the ability to break up passes in the middle of the field. The 6'1", 232-pound linebacker will have a golden opportunity to play significant snaps next Cory Littleton.