2010 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Nate Allen

Strengths:

Solid height with great bulk

Three-year starter

Playmaker and highly productive

Takes good angles in run support

Fluid hips

Ballhawk who can change a game

Centerfielder range

Highly instinctive

Physical tackler

Underrated athlete

Eliminates space quickly

Low in backpedal; nice technician

Uses hands well to shed blocks in run support

Good route recognition

Vocal leader on defense; team captain

Great all-around skill set for a free safety

Weaknesses:

Lacks great straight-line speed

Tends to struggle in man coverage where he has to turn and run

Not a violent threat in deep half/over middle

Doesn’t have superstar potential

Summary: Nate Allen has been a favorite of mine all year. Some guys just find ways to make plays despite average measureables. I expect Allen to win a starting job quickly in his career. He’s a prototypical free safety who is clean off the field and has a reportedly great work ethic. I expect Allen to come off the board between picks 35 and 70.

Player Comparison: Tanard Jackson. Jackson didn’t have great measurables coming out of Syracuse, but he’s a very good technician and a great playmaker for Tampa Bay.

RELATED LINKS:

2010 NFL Mock Draft: Matt’s | Walt’s

2010 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings

2010 NFL Draft Scouting Reports

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