Speedy Eagles receiver Devon Allen hasn't played football since 2016, but he's already starting to get his confidence back in training camp. By Reuben Frank
I do get the feeling the Eagles saw this as a project to the point of having an understanding with Allen that he will get some time, his situation a little different than the norm.
Only thing is he didn’t get on the field until the second half in a game where the starters didn’t suit up. He’s mostly playing with and against guys that won’t be on a team week one.
But that was the highlight of the game and that certainly helps. I watched Jalen Reagor being tightly covered in those short routes they throw to him. Allen may have a shot.
As the Philadelphia Eagles conclude their second preseason game against the Cleveland Browns, Eagles Insiders Dave Spadaro, Fran Duffy, Ella DiGiovanni, and ...
Track guys almost never make it in the NFL, even ones who played some college FB. Being elite at one thing in athletics does not equal another. The skill set required to be an elite NFL receiver is its own thing. The best receiver in NFL history (Jerry Rice) was slow as molasses in a straight line.
Track guys almost never make it in the NFL, even ones who played some college FB. Being elite at one thing in athletics does not equal another. The skill set required to be an elite NFL receiver is its own thing. The best receiver in NFL history (Jerry Rice) was slow as molasses in a straight line.
Agree. The fastest NFL player, John Ross, is currently a free agent and doesn't look to be picked up any time soon.
The Sirianni family has been pretty close to Track & Field for years. His dad and brother were both track coaches. Specifically, his dad, was the head coach at their local HS for a serious amount of years.
I wouldn't be surprised if he has a soft spot for Track guys. Might sound dumb, but people make decisions with their emotions. I could see him having a shot at the team.
I timed Allen from snap to catch crossing the line in about 6.3 seconds for 56 yards, so he was moving pretty good. That was a fine catch. It may have come against cut material and second and third stringers, but it combines the deep threat, the athletic catch, the game speed, and the touchdown, all qualities coaches love, so maybe it's too late, but maybe that gets him on the team instead of the practice squad.
I still say he's not making the roster. He's playing against 3rd stringers.
Yeah, I tend to agree. A TD off of busted coverage on a 9 route in a preseason game is not gonna impress me. What other parts of the route tree can he run? Can he return? Don’t get me wrong, I love improbable stories and long shots making teams, but I just don’t see it here.
Track guys almost never make it in the NFL, even ones who played some college FB. Being elite at one thing in athletics does not equal another. The skill set required to be an elite NFL receiver is its own thing. The best receiver in NFL history (Jerry Rice) was slow as molasses in a straight line.
That simply isn't true at all, TONS of tracksters have played in the NFL.
How about these Hall of Famers that were track athletes Bob Hayes, Cliff Branch, Bobby Mitchell, Jim Johnson, Ollie Matson.
First player to ever spike a football Homer Jones an NAIA 200m champ, once beat Hayes.
Devon Allen is still on the Eagles practice squad.
The guy who took the spot Allen could have had as punt returner is Britain Covey. Covey has about 60 yards on 10 punt returns. Nothing special. He wasn’t even allowed to park in the players lot when they had their Monday Night game.