Ravens Combine: Is Wisconsin RB Braelon Allen The Next Derrick Henry?

Could a strong NFL Combine performance from Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen convince the Ravens to draft him instead of signing veteran Derrick Henry in free agency?

Right now, many Baltimore Ravens fans are hoping to land veteran running back Derrick Henry in free agency, but what if the next version of him is available in the draft?

This week, the NFL Combine is taking place, and one running back who could bring some physicality to Baltimore like the aforementioned rusher is Wisconsin Badger Braelon Allen.

Is Braelon Allen "The Next Derrick Henry," and could a strong NFL Combine performance make him a Baltimore Ravens in 2024? / NFL Analysis

Allen ran for over 1,200 yards in his freshman and sophomore seasons while having at least 11 rushing touchdowns in all three of his college seasons. Unfortunately, Allen’s production dipped in his junior season, failing to cross 1,300 yards (1,116) from scrimmage for the first time. 

Despite less rushing production in 2023, Allen did set a new career high for single-season receptions at 28. On the other hand, Henry never developed into much of a receiver and left college with just 17 career receptions. 

Still just 20 years old (more than 10 years younger than Henry), Allen not only has a developing skillset as a pass catcher but much like Henry, he's built like a bulldozer and is an absolute load to take down when he runs.

Standing 6-2 and weighing 240 pounds, Allen is built to punish would-be tacklers with his physicality. For context, Derrick Henry measured in at 6-3 and weighed 247 pounds at his NFL Combine in 2016.

Henry finished his three-year career at Alabama with 3,876  yards from scrimmage, averaging 6.3 yards per touch, and had 45 touchdowns. Allen 3,769 yards from scrimmage, 5.8 yards per touch, and 35 touchdowns while at Wisconsin, a school known for producing high-end running backs such as Pro Bowlers Melvin Gordon and Jonathan Taylor.

The Ravens should keep an eye on Allen at the Combine when he tests this Saturday in events such as the 40-yard dash to see if he truly is the next version of King Henry. 

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Some numbers to monitor and compare to Henry's performance are his 4.54 speed in the 40-yard dash, 1.56 quick speed in the 10-yard split, 37-inch vertical, 10' 10 broad jump, 7.2-second three-cone drill, 4.38-second 20-yard shuttle, and 22 bench reps. 

If Allen can match or even beat Henry's numbers from eight years ago, then maybe Baltimore will elect to spend a second-round pick on him rather than invest in the veteran during free agency.