4 things to know about Rams LB Dakota Allen, 'Last Chance U' starBy: Andrew Ortenberg
The Los Angeles Rams made their final pick in the 2019 draft at 251st overall. With one of the last picks in the draft, they took linebacker Dakota Allen from Texas Tech. Allen has had an interesting journey to the pros, to say the least, and here are four facts you should know:
1. He was a star on Netflix’s ‘Last Chance U’
Allen has a higher public profile than your typical seventh round pick. While playing at East Mississippi Community College, Allen became one of the stars of the Netflix series “Last Chance U.”
The series chronicled talented players who were forced to attend the community college for one reason or another. Allen had originally played at Texas Tech out of high school, but his career was derailed when he was charged with second-degree robbery.
Although charges against him were eventually dismissed, he was kicked off the team at Texas Tech. After going to EMCC and getting all of his issues cleared up, he was accepted back at Texas Tech. Former coaches swear by Allen and his character, and he appears to have figured everything out off the field. As someone who watched the series, I can say Allen comes across as an extremely genuine guy who deserves a second chance.
2. He was a team captain each of the past two seasons
Allen left the team unceremoniously, but he returned triumphantly. It didn’t take long for his teammates or his coaches to accept him back, as he was immediately named a team captain ahead of his first season back in 2017. He was again named a captain last year. Teammates and coaches have raved about his leadership qualities, and one off-field incident from a few years ago shouldn’t distract from that.
3. He was highly decorated in college
Allen received a ton of recognition for his work at Texas Tech. Last season he was a first-team All-Big 12 selection, and was named to preseason watch lists for the Nagurski Trophy and Bednarik Award, given annually to college football’s best defensive player and linebacker respectively. Allen was also an academic All-Big 12 second team selection last season. In 2017, he was an All-Big 12 second-team honoree.
4. He can play special teams
Allen starred at linebacker at Texas Tech, but that might not be where he makes his mark in the pros. Allen was also a special teams standout with the Red Raiders, which could greatly help his NFL future.
Seventh-round picks need something like that to make them stand out, and this should increase his chances of making the team. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote in his scouting profile of Allen that he had the “potential to become a core special teamer” at the next level. The Rams could also use some depth at inside linebacker however, so he can’t be counted on defense.
[
theramswire.usatoday.com]
