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2017 NFL Draft: Top 50 Prospects Halfway through Season

By Tyler Brooke

Oct 22, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) catches a pass as Mississippi Rebels linebacker Detric Bing-Dukes (43) defends during the first quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) catches a pass as Mississippi Rebels linebacker Detric Bing-Dukes (43) defends during the first quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 22, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) returns a fumble for a touchdown against the Texas A&M Aggies during the third quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) returns a fumble for a touchdown against the Texas A&M Aggies during the third quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

If you haven’t noticed Alabama defensive lineman Jonathan Allen at this point in the college football season, you haven’t been paying attention.

The Crimson Tide lineman has been arguably the most impressive player on Nick Saban’s squad this season. Not only has he consistently gotten to opposing quarterbacks and plugged up rushing lanes, but he’s also picked up a pair of defensive touchdowns on fumble returns.

At 6’3” and 294 pounds, Allen is an explosive athlete that could translate as an interior lineman or even a five-technique defensive end at the next level. He uses his strength and leverage to push linemen back and generate interior pressure, causing all kinds of problems for offenses.

Perhaps Allen’s greatest strength is his excellent hands to disengage from would-be blockers. Here’s a great example of that.

It seems like Allen is playing at a higher level every time he takes the field, which is why he comes in as the second-best prospect in this draft class.

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