WorldWide Rams Draft Profile: Marcus Allen, S, Penn St

Ed “Pi Double i” Henderson

WorldWide Rams

Who is the 6-foot-2-215 pound, Marcus Allen?

​Allen, who is in of no relation to the 1981 Heisman Trophy winner, 2003 Hall of Fame Inductee, former Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs running back Marcus Allen, but is the godson of Curtis Martin, former New York Jets and New England Patriots running back and 2012 Hall of Fame Inductee. Allen is a player that’s already played the game with the mentality of an NFL player. Throughout his collegiate career, he became the sixth player in Penn State history to have over 300 career tackles. He has a total of 321 career tackles (110 his junior year ), six deflected passes, six tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles, one interception and one safety. A few analyst’s and scouts felt Allen should have declared for the draft last season.

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Marcus Allen Highlights

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Strengths 
A very hard hitter who has great size and is long. A tremendous athlete. Has quick play recognition, and the ability to find his way to the ball carrier with excellent decisiveness. Diagnosis the run well and commits himself as a forceful penetrating safety that is willing to give up his body. Produces his best play near the line of scrimmage. Ability to take great angles to the ball carrier and wraps up and finish through his tackles. Allen is great in filling the gaps when ball carriers attempt to cut back. Has very great strong hands, and the ability to shed off blockers to make tackles. Has the ability to stay deep as the deepest safety refuse to allow receivers to get beyond his depth. Polished enough to cover tight ends, and has ok hip movement to cover receivers. Great reflexes with a great eye to hand coordination. Great leaper, mostly remember him for his blocked field goal against Ohio State. Fellowed safety Grant Haley scooped up the ball and return it the distance for the touchdown to upset Ohio State. (Watch Video)

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Allen Blocks Field Goal To Upset Buckeyes

Weakness
Flies hard to the ball carrier, which allows him to miss tackles. Need to build better awareness of anticipating passes to be able to jump routes. May need to improve more on his feetwork, because he play with tight hips at times. Tends to make unnecessary steps in coverage, in space and his change of direction in coverage becomes extra work. Need to attack ball at its highest point, had one career interception. Speed is questionable at the next level, there may be concerns whether he can play as a single high safety. Probably better fit at the strong safety position, and the ability to play the hybrid linebacker, such as Mark Barron who converted as one a couple season ago. May need to work harder with coverage skills because of the dynamic receivers at the next level. Need to address these issues by the time he’s ready to work out at the 2018 NFL Combine.

Is he a fit for the Rams?
Absolutely, has the desire to get better, and has been working out with receiver and teammate Daesean Hamilton, who’s projected as one of the first receiver's to be selected in the 2018 NFL Draft. Height and size is the prototype under Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips defense, and is a punishing hitter. The Rams lost Trumaine Johnson to free agency, resigned both LaMarcus Joyner and Nickell Robey-Coleman. He's a slight project, but can become a everydown safety in a couple of seasons, but can contribute right away to special teams. Will benefit greatly on working out with athletic tight-ends to match up against slot receivers.
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Draft Prediction
2nd-4th Round
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NFL Comparison
​Clayton Geathers

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