Dallas Cowboys Draft: 10 Edge Rushers for the Cowboys

Zach Allen, Boston College

What’s Good: Instincts, Size

What Ain’t Good: Athleticism, Strength

Allen might not end up playing defensive end after it’s all said and done, but as a defensive end, he just isn’t that effective. Even though he’s big, he doesn’t use his strength or explosiveness for the sake of effective bull rushing. In addition, he isn’t that athletic for his size so he’s limited in his ability to play as a speed rusher. (Charles Omenihu is built exactly like him but Omenihu possess more burst) 3/4″

Something Allen does well is use his IQ to dissect plays. Unfortunately, he isn’t always athletic enough to make the necessary play. It’s nice to know what play is coming but how effective can you be stopping it if you are lacking in athleticism?

Allen’s athleticism isn’t good enough for an edge rusher, but he does have the build and explosiveness to clog holes as a 3 technique. He has average arm length at 34 3/4″ and he weighs 280 pounds according to NFL.com. His hand usage is sometimes effective on the outside but his ability to clog holes and reach the backfield when he’s playing inside is more significant than his outside rushing.

Where does he fit?:

In theory, Allen doesn’t the Cowboys as an edge rusher so it probably doesn’t make sense adding him as an edge rusher in this article. But that is where he is listed and he did play more on the outside than the inside. However, even if the Cowboys select him to play inside, he isn’t a difference maker.

He’s got average to below athleticism even with his good instincts. As a 3 technique, he’d be more useful as a run stopper than a pass rusher so his use starts to become limited. He can play all three downs but he just isn’t as effective when forced to do so such.

If the Cowboys were to select Allen, it’s safe to say that some people will be perplexed…