Buck Allen: Will He Emerge As Next Ravens Star?

Dec 13, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Buck Allen (37) chased by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril (56) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Buck Allen (37) chased by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril (56) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

After Justin Forsett broke his arm in a week 11 game against the St. Louis Rams, Buck Allen played a large role in the Ravens offense. He showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie season. Is the USC product the next superstar running back for the Baltimore Ravens?

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Buck Allen started 6 games. He made an impact on the ground and  through the air. On 137 attempts he gained 514 yards and one touchdown. He also had 45 receptions for 353 yards and two touchdowns. His biggest highlights were a 44 yard run and a 41 yard reception.

Allen has a skill set very similar to that of Ray Rice. Before a domestic violence incident, Rice was revered as one of the best players in Ravens history. If there is any team that can appreciate Allen’s abilities it is the Ravens. Allen is also a downhill runner, a one cut and fly kind of player. With the Ravens zone blocking scheme, this is perfect.

Allen is a lightning bolt on the field. He is quick and elusive. He is a surprisingly powerful runner for his size and he has gotten results. There is plenty of talent there.,

John Harbaugh did bench Allen for his fumbling of two footballs. Ball security is a big deal and nothing gets you in the proverbial “Harbaugh Dog House” faster than fumbles. This is something the Ravens will have to see improvement from Allen in.

Allen has so much potential and we’ve only seen a snapshot of what he can do. The Ravens have a lot of guys in the backfield especially if they retain Justin Forsett. Forsett, Lorenzo Taliaferro and Terrance West will all be competing for a spot at this position. After drafting Allen in the fourth round just a year ago, Allen will surely make the team. The question is how much playing time will he get?

Next: NFL Draft Profile: Vernon Hargreaves, CB UF

Allen may have more talent than any rusher the Ravens have. Allen is definitely the most multidimensional back. Allen has a chance to be the next superstar running back for the Ravens.

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