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Alabama defensive end Jonathan Allen had reasons to enter the NFL Draft.
He was a member of a national championship-caliber defense, leading that star-studded unit in sacks, and received a first-round grade from draft experts.
However, as Allen is quoted as saying in a story by ESPN’s Chris Low, he took everything into account before deciding to return for his senior season.
“I know a lot people were saying I might go in the first round, but it’s important that you listen to the right people,” Allen told ESPN. “My grade was second round. Nothing’s guaranteed, but I know the people coach (Nick) Saban is talking to and I trust him and I trust the people here at Alabama to steer me in the right direction. They’re looking out for me, and if they felt like it was time for me to go, they’d tell me that.”
Allen was projected to go 19th overall in the first round by ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper.
However, a few factors led to the 6-foot-3, 283-pounder’s decision. For one, he mentioned that he’s planning on having shoulder surgery and taking out an insurance policy in case of an injury. Secondly, he took note of a couple teammates that were in his shoes last season, including defensive tackle Jarran Reed, who only improved his draft stock this season from a second-round pick to a likely first-round pick.
“Jarran was in my same position last year, and especially with us both playing on the defensive line, he gave me some things to think about and some things to look at,” Allen told Low. “Looking at their situation now, it made it even easier for me, two examples of guys who had their priorities straight and made the right decision.”
Born and raised in Gainesville, Talal joined SDS in 2015 after spending 2 years in Bristol as an ESPN researcher. Previously, Talal worked at The Gainesville Sun.
