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NFL Draft 2017: Top 5 prospects who could free fall

By Joel W. Cade

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) celebrates during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) celebrates during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) during warm-ups before the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) during warm-ups before the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Jonathan Allen is already free falling in mock drafts. Concerns over his arthritic shoulders seems to be making Allen less desirable. Part of the problem for Allen is the presence of several outstanding edge players in the draft.

When draft season began, Allen was considered in competition with Myles Garrett for the first overall pick. As teams began to dig into his tape, it became apparent that his real value as a pass rusher comes when he is playing the 3-technique. A 3-tech pass rusher does not have the value of an edge pass rusher.

The combine hurt Allen. News of his arthritic shoulders was a serious blow to his draft stock. Even though the shoulder will not affect him until later in life, why should an NFL team take a chance on a guy like Allen when other prospects like Solomon Thomas, Derek Barnett and Myles Garrett are still on the board?

His combine numbers do not compare well with other premium edge rushers in the draft. There are even questions if his productivity is a result of playing along with other great talent at Alabama.

Allen may free fall simply because he is projected to go so high. A free fall for Allen may mean coming off the board outside of the top ten.

Don’t be surprised to see Allen sitting in the green room after the first ten picks are off the board. Defensive linemen are tough, they can take it.

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