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Ex-UW running back Braelon Allen taken by New York Jets in NFL draft

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3 weeks ago

April 30, 2024

Ex-UW running back Braelon Allen taken by New York Jets in NFL draft

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MADISON – The New York Jets chosen Wisconsin working again Braelon Allen within the fourth spherical of the 2024 NFL draft Saturday, taking him with decide No. 134.

Allen, from Fond du Lac, was the second UW participant chosen, following offensive lineman Tanor Bortolini, who was additionally taken within the fourth spherical by the Colts. Former Wisconsin working again Isaac Guerendo was drafted 5 picks earlier than Allen.

Allen began 24 video games and performed in 35 in three seasons at UW. Right here is the whole lot it’s good to learn about Allen.

What sort of participant is Braelon Allen?

Allen, who graduated from highschool in simply three years and enrolled at UW in 2021, rushed for 3,494 yards and 35 touchdowns at UW and received’t flip 21 till Jan. 20, 2025. He averaged 199 carries per season at UW so he ought to have loads of mileage left.

He’s a bruising runner who can transfer the pile in short-yardage conditions and may explode if sees and opening and makes a fast reduce.

Nevertheless, he isn’t very elusive and consequently absorbs loads of contact. Allen missed a handful of video games with ankle and shoulder points at UW. He additionally isn’t a decisive runner if he doesn’t see a transparent opening rapidly.

However, he was capable of common 5.9 yards per carry, the No. 4 mark in program historical past, with out constantly excellent quarterback play to maintain defenses sincere. Allen rushed for no less than 100 yards in 20 video games, tied for the No. 6 mark in program historical past.

Allen improved as a pass-blocker and may ship a blow towards linebackers however he struggled in 2023 as a receiver in Phil Longo’s system. Longo tried early within the season to get the ball to Allen within the flat, however Allen by no means received snug catching the ball cleanly, turning up and area rapidly and punishing would-be tacklers.

What have been Braelon Allen’s highlights at Wisconsin?

Allen’s first important motion got here within the third sport of his freshman season, a 24-0 victory at Illinois.

The Badgers entered the sport 0-2 within the Massive Ten and 1-3 total. UW turned to Chez Mellusi and Allen as a 1-2 punch and that duo mixed for 276 yards and two touchdowns on 39 carries. Allen averaged 7.3 yards per carry and Mellusi averaged 6.9.

That was the beginning of a seven-game profitable streak that ended with 23-13 loss at Minnesota within the regular-season finale.

Fittingly, Allen’s closing sport at UW was towards rival Minnesota.

He was restricted to 47 yards on 17 carries the 10-point loss to the Gophers in 2021 and missed UW’s 23-16 loss to the Gophers in 2022 due to an ankle damage.

Allen responded final season by dashing 26 instances for 165 yards and two touchdowns in UW’s 14-point victory over the Gophers to take again Paul Bunyan’s Axe.

“As a crew that is what we wished,” stated Allen, who was battling a sprained ankle. “We needed to depart right here with it. To exit like that for a daily season is superb.”