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2017 NFL Draft: Running backs are everywhere

By George Stockburger

Dec 5, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs running back Donnel Pumphrey (19) celebrate after the Aztecs beat the Air Force Falcons 27-24 to win the Mountain West Conference at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs running back Donnel Pumphrey (19) celebrate after the Aztecs beat the Air Force Falcons 27-24 to win the Mountain West Conference at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 10, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama: Stock Down

We head back to Tuscaloosa for the second “stock down” of the week.

In his final season for the Crimson Tide, Jonathan Allen is one of the top pass-rushing defensive linemen in the country. He had 12 sacks last year playing alongside Jarran Reed and A’Shawn Robinson, both of whom are in the NFL.

Through four games Allen has just three sacks, off-pace from his career-high 12 from last season. Perhaps not having experienced guys like Reed and Robinson next to him isn’t giving hi enough chances to succeed.

But this is Alabama, and there are five star recruits listed as third-stringers. It’s hard to blame teammates for your own short-comings.

I watched Jonathan Allen’s tape from the Tides games against Kent State and USC from earlier this year.

Allen created very little push against lesser talent, and almost looked effortless on the field. His arms are completely stiff and he fails to use his hands at all on multiple occasions.

Multiple times in that game you can see his arms lock up. He’s attempting to be a straight bull-rusher, but doesn’t have the power to do so. When he prepares for the combine over the offseason, he will build up his upper body strength and improve his upper body technique so he can get around offensive tackles.

Allen will have a chance at redemption against Kentucky in Tuscaloosa this week. The Wildcats offensive line has allowed 13 sacks through four games this season, the sixth most in all of college football.

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