Antonio

Allen

A hard-hitting, in-the-box safety, Allen was expected to go much earlier, but was hurt by his 4.62 Combine 40 and history of concussions. He has tremendous upside, however, and thanks in part to his incredible length (32 1/2" arms) is viewed as a “hybrid safety” capable of neutralizing the Rob Gronkowskis of the world. He has a strong chance of cracking the Week 1 roster of a team that’s been looking to overhaul its safety corps.

Allen says the Bears like him “a lot” at linebacker while the Jaguars mentioned cornerback. This is a bit surprising because Allen is not a liability in coverage but works best in the box as a strong safety. With incredible length (32 1/2" arms), Allen flashed the ability to cover athletic tight ends in college and at the Senior Bowl. His intriguing skill set will lead many to evaluate Allen as a hybrid-type safety with versatility.

“A hybrid type safety, not just a guy who can play an eight-man front and be in the box as a tackling safety,” Frazier explained. “He must have the ability to go out and match up on a tight end like the Jimmy Grahams of the NFL.” Rotoworld Senior Bowl correspondent Josh Norris has suggested long-armed South Carolina S/LB Antonio Allen as a possibility for this “new” position.

The deal contains a signing bonus of “nearly” $46,000. Allen fell to round seven due to medical concerns and a lack of ideal range, but he was one of the best safeties in college football. He’ll play special teams as a rookie.

Allen was one of the top safeties in college football last season, but has a history of concussions and questionable range. A hard-hitting and stout in-the-box safety, however, there should be a place for him on the Jets’ practice squad.

A hard-hitting run stuffer, Allen was a seventh-round pick, but didn’t survive final cuts. With the Jets struggling mightily against the run, it’s possible Allen will see some snaps on defense, but he should be mostly limited to special teams.

The trio combined for just 71 snaps last season, so it’s a trouble spot. Jarrett was out of the league in 2012, while Allen is only really useful against the run. That leaves Bush as the slight favorite, but the Jets could still end up bringing in outside help. Re-signing Eric Smith is a possibility.

Allen is a prototypical in-the-box safety, but his contributions should be limited to special teams if he’s active for Sunday’s game against the Jaguars.

Allen beat out Eagles draft bust Jaiquawn Jarrett. He’ll start next to Dawan Landry. Allen, a 2012 seventh-rounder, started just one game as a rookie. The Bucs will be looking to get Vincent Jackson over the top of Antonio Cromartie Sunday.

Ryan was pleased with Jarrett’s activity (five tackles, three solo) against the Lions, while Antonio Allen (one stop) was less of a factor. “He did a tremendous job of hitting and communicating,” Rex said of Jarrett. Free safety is the biggest question mark on New York’s defense. The Jets may wind up using slot CB Kyle Wilson to play more snaps than anyone else at the position.