Keenan Allen's 40 time; 4.71, Luke Kuechly's 40 time; 4.5. Anyone concerned by Allen's speed? (Or lack thereof)

[CharlottePanther]

I wont be mad whatsoever if we draft Allen early because Im in the "I dont care which one, just draft a WR early" camp. However, I would be lying if I said Keenan Allen's 40 time didnt worry me. Yes I understand he was coming off injury and yes I know Jerry Rice ran in the 4.7s, but even pre injury, Keenan Allen was known for not being speedy.

I think simply brushing off Allen's lack of speed with the "but Jerry Rice ran a 4.7 40 time" is just plain dangerous. How many WRs have seen a lot of success with 40s in the 4.7s? My guess would be not many at all. Jerry Rice was a huge exception to the rule.

The bottom line is yes I understand speed isnt everything, but I do think its somewhat concerning that your starting MLB is 0.20 seconds faster than a WR you are considering drafting in the first round. Also keep in mind Manti Teo ran a 4.7. Is anyone else concerned that a WR we are seriously considering drafting early is as fast or a bit slower than a lot of linebackers?

[Lumps]

sure am, don't want Allen at all....don't like injuries

[C47]

[top dawg]

Well, it's certainly not what I prefer, especially from a WR1 (not presuming that he would be one), but a football player is a football player. He may help Cam learn to check down more quickly by providing a bigger, more physical and reliable target, but he certainly won't benefit from Cam's cannon on a regular basis, as he is a tad slow. We would still have to put a blazer who can actually catch on our radar to take pressure off Smith, and round out the offense.

[nickzz]

maybe he comes off the blocks poorly because he has never ran track. the 40 involves a lot of technique. he certainly doesn't look that slow on the field. i'm not overly concerned about it.

[LinvilleGorge]

He could be a target at #44. He ain't going in the 1st after running a 4.7 and having injury concerns.

[C47]

Some perspective BUT he's been caught by DBs that run 4.6s and 4.7s too. That clip brings very little to the table.

He's also run away from DBS that run faster than that too, just watch games from his Sophomore year.....

[CharlottePanther]

He could be a target at #44. He ain't going in the 1st after running a 4.7 and having injury concerns.

Agreed 100%, hell, wouldnt be shocked if he slipped to the top of the 3rd round. Probably wont happen but wouldnt be shocked either.

[BeasonBeastingBacks]

He's not fast and thats okay, even at his pro day the muscles in his legs were about 75% according to the great Dr. Andrews so his 4.7 could probably end up being closer to 4.6 at full health, but he makes up for that lack of straight line speed with the ability to cut on a dime, adjust his body to make the catch, and weave his way through traffic. Would I take him in the first round? Probably not, but if he's there in the 2nd I would give it some serious thought.

[jtnc]

Same as Jerry Rice's, just saying.........

[C47]

Agreed 100%, hell, wouldnt be shocked if he slipped to the top of the 3rd round. Probably wont happen but wouldnt be shocked either.

No fuging way that's happening. He's going anywhere from 20 to about 40. He's too good at every other part of playing Wide Receiver not to....

[C47]

I have, Allen isn't fast. He'll make a defender miss on occasion but don't count on Keenan doing that in the NFL. He's a Michael Crabtree.

You say that like it's a bad thing. Crabtree had 85 receptions for 1100 yards this season. Allen doesn't have to be "fast" when he can run routes as well as he can, and cut as quick as he can. If you don't think he's going to be able to create enough separation with those tools at the next level then I'm just going to quit debating because there's more to playing WR than straight line speed....

[C47]

Crabtree also wasn't as good of a route runner, or as quick out of his breaks as Allen was coming out either. I get the concerns because ideally I would like all my receivers to be 6'5 230 pound monsters who run in the high 4.2's low 4.3's, but the people acting like straight line speed is the be all and end all are WAY off base.....

[C47]

I wouldn't take him at 14. If we could move down to the twenties absolutely, but if we're stuck at 14 I'm taking Cyprien unless Star or Lane Johnson falls (which won't be happening)....