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With the ninth pick in the seventh round (224th overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles selected Wisconsin nose guard Beau Allen. Former Wisconsin safety Chris Maragos also signed with the Eagles this offseason.
The Minnetonka, Minnesota, native is the fifth Badger taken in the 2014 draft, following Dezmen Southward, Chris Borland, James White and Jared Abbrederis. Allen played a few different positions at Wisconsin, most recently nose guard as a senior when the Badgers switched to a 3-4 base defense. Over his four seasons at UW, Allen recorded 94 tackles (15 for loss), eight sacks and one forced fumble. At 6'3, 325 pounds, he was a natural fit to plug holes for opposing offenses.
Allen was also one of the most unique personalities to come from Wisconsin in some time, as evidenced by the "12 Months of Beau" calendar he recommended creating in an interview with B5Q in April.
Don't tweet serious things too often, but I'm so happy to be a part of such a great organization! I'm ready to get to work! #FlyEaglesFly
— Beau Allen (@Beau_Allen) May 10, 2014
On another note, the eagle is the most patriotic bird out there! #FlyEaglesFly
— Beau Allen (@Beau_Allen) May 10, 2014
In Andrew's pre-draft scouting report, he considered Allen a very worthwhile late-round draft pick.
So, long story short? You have someone who has a good motor, good pursuit and can attack a gap with power. He should be highly draftable, right? Well, for one thing, Allen's pass rush is basically trying to engulf a blocker in terms of a bull rush. As I've told you, it was reasonably effective as a Badger. But he doesn't have a second move, and with a level-up in competition coming, you have to wonder if there will be some questions about his ability to penetrate. Also, if you discuss his lateral agility, you're discussing something Allen either never had an opportunity to show or simply something he struggles with.
So basically, you're getting a defensive lineman who might be a little too straight-lineish, but he's a veteran whose shown great skills at holding up from the point of attack. If you're a 3-4 team with some good linebackers, Allen might be an absolute steal on the third day.
We'll have more on Allen and the rest of the Badgers' draft picks throughout the day right here on Bucky's 5th Quarter.