Dec 27, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans tailback Javorius Allen (37) is pursued by Nebraska Cornhuskers linebacker Austin Williams (24) on a 44-yard touchdown run in the third quarter in the 2014 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Baltimore Ravens are on a roll as they continue to fill every single hole on their roster. Well, except for cornerback, which is going to have fans up in arms all offseason. They continued their roll by selecting USC running back Javorius Allen with their second fourth round pick.
Allen was the Trojan’s lead back for a year and a half, taking 417 carries for 2,306 yards (5.53 ypc) and 25 touchdowns. He is a solid pass protector and receiver, but runs with little punch and aggressiveness. He’s also pretty old for a rookie at 23. Bottom line, Allen just isn’t a tackle breaking machine or a YAC threat in the passing game.
I was a little disappointed with this pick, especially considering that David Cobb was still on the board. I feel like Cobb is a better prospect with more prototypical size. At best, Allen looks like a career backup who might be a short term fill in if needed. At this point, that’s somewhat what Lorenzo Taliaferro looks like as well.
So the Ravens still don’t seem to have a running back for the future, which is what I was personally hoping for. I’m guessing that the medical concerns surrounding Jay Ajayi’s knee are worse than originally thought, which is the only reason he wasn’t the pick here.
Grade: D
Next: Za'Darius Smith Draft Grade
More from Ebony Bird
- 3 Biggest Needs for Ravens in NFL Draft
- Ravens’ Super Bowl odds stagnant amidst Lamar Jackson trade rumors
- New Caesars-BetMGM Promo Code: Get Over $2,000
- Ravens 2024 Super Bowl odds (Questions around Lamar Jackson’s future doesn’t keep Baltimore’s odds down)
- Special BetMGM Maryland Promo: Get $1,000 Now