Dwayne Allen, Junior, Tight End, Clemson
Overview:
It is a good year to be Dwayne Allen. Not only was 2011 a year for tight ends in the NFL to push the boundaries of what can be expected of the position, Allen proved himself as the best of the bunch in college football. He was a consensus All-American and the John Mackey award winner as the best tight end in the nation. Collecting 598 yards and eight touchdowns on 50 catches will do that. His superb production and big frame should make him a desirable target for many quarterbacks at the next level.
Final Projection:
The recent explosion of the tight end position in the NFL by the likes of Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski can only help Allen’s draft stock. Teams without a threat at the position will be looking to add one just to keep up with the Joneses. It would not be that big of a surprise to see a desperate team reach for Allen near the end of round one but, more likely, someone will grab the big man from Clemson somewhere during day two.
3/17/Update:
Allen still may be the first tight end off of the board, but his slow 40 time at the NFL Combine is a cause for concern. Teams want a tight end who can stretch the field and Allen might not be able to do that as well as folks thought. He is still a second round talent, but if he is the first tight end off of the board, he could slide into the late first round.
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