Cardinals take Zach Allen to open Round 3 of NFL draft
The Arizona Cardinals selected pass-rusher Zach Allen out of Boston College in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, 65th overall.
Allen joins quarterback Kyler Murray, cornerback Byron Murphy, and wide receiver Andy Isabella in the Cardinals' stable of draft picks thus far.
Allen racked up 61 tackles, including 15 for loss, during his senior campaign. He also posted 6.5 sacks and broke up eight passes.
The Cardinals signed Terrell Suggs in free agency to complement Chandler Jones off the edge, but Allen could compete for his fair share of snaps as a rookie.
Prospect profile
School: Boston College
Height: 6-4
Weight: 281 lbs
Strengths
- Positionally versatile with size and strength for several defensive-front spots
- Extensive arsenal of pass-rush moves deployed with strong hands and technique
- Quick off the ball, wins inside with swipe or swim
- Uses strong rip move and works through contact to beat opponents on the outside
- Drives opponents into the backfield with powerful bull rush
- Knack for batting passes down at the line
- Uses strength and length to set the edge
- Ball-locating and shedding abilities lead to high-level production in the running game
- Good short-area quickness for size
Weaknesses
- Subpar athleticism for an edge defender
- Bend and flexibility aren't part of pass-rushing game
- Lacks desired pursuit speed to finish plays
Bottom line
Allen is one of the most interesting prospects in this group. The lack of athleticism and bend may see him fly under the radar behind twitchier prospects, but ignoring him would be a mistake. A fantastic run defender with plenty of rush moves at his disposal, Allen plays with far more lateral quickness than would be expected for his size. He fits as a big 4-3 end who rotates inside on passing downs or as a five-technique player in odd fronts.