Raising Zona
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Arizona Cardinals rookie film room: 5 plays that define Zach Allen

By Avery Duncan

DEKALB, IL - SEPTEMBER 01: Ryan Graham #17 of the Northern Illinois Huskies tries to evade pressure from Zach Allen #2 of the Boston College Eagles in the third quarter of a game at Huskie Stadium on September 1, 2017 in DeKalb, Illinois. Boston College won 23-20. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
DEKALB, IL - SEPTEMBER 01: Ryan Graham #17 of the Northern Illinois Huskies tries to evade pressure from Zach Allen #2 of the Boston College Eagles in the third quarter of a game at Huskie Stadium on September 1, 2017 in DeKalb, Illinois. Boston College won 23-20. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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CHESTNUT HILL, MA – OCTOBER 27: Zach Allen #2 of the Boston College Eagles celebrates after the Eagles stopped the Florida State Seminoles on a fourth down during the third quarter at Alumni Stadium on October 27, 2017 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
CHESTNUT HILL, MA – OCTOBER 27: Zach Allen #2 of the Boston College Eagles celebrates after the Eagles stopped the Florida State Seminoles on a fourth down during the third quarter at Alumni Stadium on October 27, 2017 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Final notes, thoughts, tidbits

Vance Joseph should have a lot of fun using Zach Allen in his 3-4 front. Expect to see him all over the field, but earn his paycheck as a run-stuffing presence as an interior defensive lineman. Though he was primarily used as a 4-3 end at Boston College, he’s one of the more natural fits in the 3-4 in this draft.

It’s fair to wonder if Allen would’ve surpassed his college career total of 18.0 if he played in the inside. He’s a mismatch due to his length, first-step, and power, and his effort signifies that he wouldn’t have a problem playing in the less glamorous position. Though most of his highlights came on the edge, some of his best work came on the inside.

With that being said, playing Allen as a 4-3 end makes sense, if, for some reason, the Cardinals decide to convert again. But, he’s not a finesse, speed, or bendy pass-rusher, instead, as an edge, he’s a power-rusher and tone-setter in the run game. He also possesses sound gap control.

At the end of the day, Allen shouldn’t have slipped to the top of the third round, but it’s understandable why. He didn’t test well at the combine, he’s a bit of a tweener, and his lack of bend and high pad-level is concerning.

But, I have very few doubts about his success as an Arizona Cardinal. If he can add to his pass-rushing repertoire, and get more disciplined against play-action and counters runs, he could be a similar player to the Chiefs’ Chris Jones, albeit, a bit lengthier.

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