The 2023 NFL Draft defensive class is full of premier talent, and one of the players who hope to hear his name called on Day 3 is Campbell DE Brevin Allen. While most of the conversation has been focused on the top names in the class, what does Allen’s scouting report suggest about his NFL Draft stock, and which teams might be interested in the standout FCS rusher?
Brevin Allen NFL Draft Profile
- Position: EDGE
- School: Campbell
- Year: Redshirt Senior
Big-time players don’t have to come from only Power Five schools. If there is talent, someone will notice. And it’s safe to say Allen has undoubtedly drawn the attention of the NFL.
An unranked recruit coming out of Northeast Guilford High School in McLeansville, North Carolina, Allen was a second-team All-Area and All-Conference performer in 2017 while also earning a letter in basketball. Having received offers from North Carolina Central, East Carolina, and Coastal Carolina, Allen elected to commit to the Campbell Fighting Camels in the FCS Big South Conference.
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While Allen played in 10 of Campbell’s 11 games as a true freshman, he tallied only 11 tackles, including two tackles for loss and a sack. One year later, he was named second-team All-Big South after totaling 54 tackles with a forced fumble and a fumble recovery while adding three QB hurries, 11 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks.
Tabbed second-team All-Big South for the second straight year, Allen started all four games for the Camels in a COVID-impacted season, totaling 17 tackles which led all defensive linemen for the team.
Allen Put His Name on the Map With A Record-Setting 2021 Campaign
Statistically, 2021 was Allen’s best season. He was named the 2021 Big South Defensive Player Of The Year and a finalist for the Stats Perform FCS Buck Buchanan Award. Also named to Phil Steele’s All-Big South first team, Allen led the conference in sacks (9.5) and tackles for loss (17.5), ranking inside the top 20 in the nation in both categories.
He set the Campbell single-season school record for sacks while tying the record for tackles for loss. Along with his 44 tackles (26 solo) in 11 games, Allen also forced two fumbles and recovered one.
A redshirt senior in 2022, Allen was not quite as disruptive, but he was already on the NFL’s radar by this point and finished with 22 tackles (11 solo) in eight games with 7.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and recorded his first interception against Robert Morris.
A late addition to the Shrine Bowl roster, Allen impressed, just as he did at the Hula Bowl earlier in the month. While he might’ve been one of the later additions, he was one of the first to catch the eyes of scouts after he measured in at 6’3 5/8″, 262 pounds, with 34 1/2″ arms.
Throw in how he can run an (unofficial) 4.59 40-yard dash with these measurements, and Allen can quickly go from a relative unknown to a staple coming off the edge.
However, to get a better grasp of Allen’s strengths and areas for improvement, we turn to the scouting report, which will likely play a significant factor in when Allen, hopefully, here’s his name called during the 2023 NFL draft.
Tony Pauline’s Scouting Report for Brevin Allen
Strengths: Imposing and athletic small-school pass rusher who possesses excellent length, plays with proper pad level, and gets leverage on opponents. Fights with his hands throughout the action, moves fluidly about the field, and slides down the line of scrimmage pursuing the run. Agile, slices inside blocks to penetrate the line of scrimmage, and easily redirects to the action.
Weaknesses: Displays limited moves to get off blocks. Primarily used up the field and rarely dropped off the line. Lacks bulk and strength and is easily out-positioned by lesser tackles. Doesn’t play with a sense of urgency. Play leaves a lot to be desired.
Overall: Despite impressive measurables, Allen was marginally productive on the small-school level and never truly dominated the way many thought possible. He’s a streaky defender with a great upside but must start living up to expectations.
Brevin Allen Combine Measurements and Results
- Height: 6’3 5/8″
- Weight: 262
- Arm Length: 34 1/2″
- Hand Size: 10 1/4″
- Wingspan: 82 3/4″
Campbell EDGE Brevin Allen Current Draft Projection
The EDGE class in the draft is one of the deeper positional groups. Will Anderson Jr. might be the best player in the whole draft and is closely followed by Myles Murphy, Tyree Wilson, Nolan Smith, Keion White, and even Lukas Van Ness.
While a long way away from being mentioned in the same category, Allen is a name to keep in mind during the later stages of the draft. Currently, he is the 235th-ranked player on Tony Pauline’s Big Board as the EDGE39 with a 2.85 grade and a draft projection that places him outside of the typical draftable range as a UDFA.
Although Allen certainly has his back against the wall, he’s already been drafted once in 2023, just not by the league he wanted. Allen was selected at pick No. 19 in the third round by the Memphis Showboats in the 2023 USFL Draft. Former teammate Darion Slade signed a USFL deal with the New Orleans Breakers last September.
“It was a feeling of relief because a team sees the talent that I have and took a chance on me,” Allen said in a message to The Dunn Daily Record.
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“My goals are still to continue my training this offseason and aiming for the NFL,” Allen said. “But I have all the respect for the USFL for seeing my talent.”
If Pauline’s draft grade reflects how NFL scouts view Allen, odds are his name will not be called in the draft. But there might still be some hope for him after all.
Keep an eye on the Chicago Bears both during and after the draft. If they don’t select him with one of their picks on Day 3, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Ryan Poles signing Allen as a priority undrafted free agent.
Allen met with the Bears during his time at the Hula Bowl and has done nothing but help his draft sock since. For a team with a ridiculous amount of draft capital that is rebuilding its roster, Allen could be in their plans, given his talent coming off the edge as a disruptor.
