This guy understands hand usage. You can look like the scariest d-lineman in the world, but if you don't bring your hands to the fight, you're just going to be leaning up against blocks. Allen gets that, and his ability to keep his chest clean is his best attribute.

Second best being his size. For a 285-pounder he's decently flexible, which lets him play down the line depending on the situation. He'll hold the point inside against runs (not as well versus double-teams) and has the quickness to threaten the quarterback from an outside stance. Now he doesn't run the arc with the best of them, or have a consistent first step, but he shows enough cards (inside counter, straight power, swim, rip) to make linemen take him seriously.

So you've got a defender with violent hands and a pass rush plan, in a big body that can slide inside as needed. He might not be an All-Pro talent, but he has the skillset to be productive for a long time.

+ Strong hands; wins the first punch more often than not
+ Scheme-diverse and rarely a liability on any down-and-distance
+ Calculated feel for what offenses are trying to do: bats down quick passes, won't let himself get cut in screen game, and can fly into the backfield once he reads the snap count

- Plays to his height at times (6'5), mostly in run defense
- Not an elite bend around the edge and usually relies on power or an inside move; NFL tackles will cheat inside without a true speed rush threat
- Good as a three-tech or edge, but great at neither