Big Red
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- Mar 16, 2019
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“He is going to will himself into being a very good football player,” Keim said.
Veteran defensive lineman Corey Peters said he has been impressed with Allen’s intelligence and ability to pick up the playbook, not to mention Allen’s physical ability. Training camp – when the pads come on – will provide a better perspective on the rookie, Peters added, “but I fully expect him to be a big part of our rotation.”
Allen isn’t making too many predictions yet. Physical tools and understanding the playbook are like tackles – they are indicative of a player, but don’t themselves guarantee success.
Allen is nothing if not self-aware. He knew Landry’s presence helped him in college. He also knew that he was better off staying at Boston College for a final season, rather than coming out to the NFL draft off the momentum of that 100-tackle season.
He wasn’t mature enough, Allen believed at the time. Even now, there are parts of being an NFL player he acknowledged he struggles with. The fact he sees such things clearly bodes well for a player who is learning, but also expected to make an immediate impact.
The last time the Cardinals owned the first pick of the third round, they also drafted a defensive lineman. Darnell Dockett started from his first game and went on to be an anchor of the line for a decade.
“If I could have the career Darnell Dockett did, that’d be awesome,” Allen said. “He’s a badass. I know I have a long way to go, but knowing a guy like that did it in this building, it gives you confidence you can do the same thing. I really think it’s the perfect situation for me to succeed in.”
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