The depth of the 2022 NFL Draft running back class seems to be an improvement from 2021’s group. BYU RB Tyler Allgeier is a big part of that, as his scouting report could provide ample value for teams. One of the premier playmakers in the west, what does Allgeier bring to the table as an NFL Draft prospect?
Tyler Allgeier NFL Draft Profile
- Position: Running Back
- School: Brigham Young
- Current Year: Redshirt Junior
- Height: 5’11”
- Weight: 220 pounds
Tyler Allgeier Scouting Report
Quarterback Zach Wilson wasn’t the only BYU offensive player to emerge in 2020. Allgeier also broke out with Wilson, breaking the 1,000-yard mark a year after logging just 20 total touches on offense. He’d always flashed potential, but 2020 was the year that potential met opportunity for Allgeier. And he ran away with it, both literally and figuratively.
Wilson left in 2021, but Allgeier only upped his production, and took his game to the next level. Now, he’s in the discussion as one of the best running backs in the 2022 NFL Draft. How does Allgeier’s scouting report compare, and can he be an early-round pick?
Allgeier’s athletic profile
Allgeier undoubtedly has a desirable athletic profile. The BYU RB brings exceptional overall mobility, and he also has great size at around 5’11”, 220 pounds. For his size, Allgeier brings good explosiveness in open space. When he has a runway, he can gear up relatively quickly. He also has smooth lateral elusiveness, making guys miss and adjusting his rushing angles with ease. He can make sharp initial cuts, then explode to the second level.
Going further with Allgeier’s mobility, the BYU RB has some measured elusiveness. He can execute misleading double moves to adjust angles, and he has some measured twitch when running through congestion. He possesses fairly good balance in and out of cuts. He’s a shifty runner for his size, and he’s reasonably slippery through weak tackles.
Moreover, Allgeier has good contact balance and leg churn through congestion. With his density and burst, he can leverage explosions into massive point-of-contact force. And with his size, he can withstand direct contact and grind out tough yards.
Execution beyond the physical traits
Allgeier’s blend of athleticism and size is extremely valuable, but he provides utility beyond his physical traits. Allgeier has above-average vision, and he can identify cutback lanes and shoot through them with burst. The BYU product’s initial vision is his strongest. He’s decisive when he sees a hole to attack, and he attacks space with energy.
The BYU RB has shown he can adjust his stride lengths based on how much space he has. To that end, he can effectively manipulate space and negate tackling angles on the fly. Meanwhile, in short-yardage situations, Allgeier shows off tangible second effort against resistance. He absolutely plays to his size when coming downhill.
Perhaps the most exciting thing about Allgeier’s executional profile, however, is his receiving potential. He’s a capable receiver out of the backfield. He can sit in open zones and adjust for passes. Furthermore, he can corral the ball and seamlessly transition into YAC mode. He’s a smooth receiver, and while he hasn’t been used a ton in that phase, he has the skills to take on a bigger workload.
Rounding out Allgeier’s strengths, he is a solid pass protector. He has the awareness to chip on play-action, and he squares up with his full frame.
Areas for improvement
Allgeier is a fun player and a good one. But he does have room for improvement, as well as questions surrounding his potential in his NFL Draft scouting report.
First off, let’s talk about Allgeier’s vision. While he has great initial vision behind the line, he doesn’t always show full-field vision when he needs to adjust. He sometimes charges straight into contact, and he can prematurely commit to holes that close quickly. On the flip side, Allgeier freezes up at times when lanes are clogged up. He doesn’t have great creative instincts, and he can’t always withstand contact in the backfield.
While Allgeier has good long-track explosiveness, his short-range burst isn’t as appealing. Other backs have more immediate explosion. Allgeier needs some space to work up to his top speed. And even then, he’s not overly dynamic at his maximum. Furthermore, he can run a bit upright in space at times. Consequently, he doesn’t always absorb and bounce off of direct contact, and his balance can be negatively affected.
Among other things, Allgeier sometimes gets overzealous with his feet and wastes motion. He still needs to refine his skill set as a creator. He’s also somewhat stiff when stacking cuts. His lateral suddenness derives more from effort than natural elusiveness. It may not be entirely translatable against NFL defenders.
Allgeier’s NFL Draft scouting report overview
Allgeier likely won’t challenge for a top spot in the running back class, but he undoubtedly has Day 2 potential. He could go on to be a productive NFL running back if he winds up in the right situation. Allgeier has great size, contact balance, explosiveness in space, and initial vision behind the line. He also brings decent long speed.
Diluting Allgeier’s profile, however, is his limited creation ability behind the line when he encounters contact. Allgeier needs some space to gear up, diagnose holes, and attack space. And ultimately, he’s more of a one-cut runner than anything else. He can set up defenders in the backfield, cut to his spot, and accelerate through lanes. He has some creativity, but it’s somewhat limited. He’ll make his money as a one-cut zone runner who finishes with physicality.
Allgeier’s frame could translate to more power gap concepts, but he ultimately fits best in zone schemes. Space is important for him, but he works well with that space and has the tools to extend runs down the field. His receiving upside presents extra appeal. He doesn’t have the highest ceiling, as his athleticism and movement freedom aren’t elite. But he could be a potential starter with enough support.
Tyler Allgeier’s Player Profile
College football has a way of emboldening talent, no matter where it comes from. In a way, that’s what happened with Zach Wilson in 2020. And not so quietly alongside Wilson, Allgeier found his footing as well.
At first, Allgeier wasn’t regarded as a future playmaker. The Fontana, California product was an unranked recruit in 2018. He didn’t have any scholarship offers at the Division IA level and chose to walk on with the BYU Cougars. It was a decision that came with a great deal of initial uncertainty. But soon, it would yield exciting results.
Tyler Allgeier’s career at BYU and NFL Draft ascension
Allgeier began his BYU career as most begin. He only touched the ball 10 times as a true freshman and ended up redshirting. Working with BYU running backs coach Harvey Unga, Allgeier built himself up heading into 2019 and flashed as a redshirt freshman. In a limited sample size, the BYU RB logged 17 carries for 119 yards, as well as 3 receptions for 67 yards and a touchdown.
In January of 2020, Allgeier was officially put on scholarship — but his journey was far from complete. Allgeier proved the scholarship was worth the investment by dominating in a breakout 2020 campaign. Emerging as a bonafide playmaker, Allgeier accumulated 1,130 yards and 13 touchdowns on 150 carries. He averaged 7.5 yards per carry, also adding 174 receiving yards.
Some were worried that Allgeier would regress after losing Wilson in the backfield. But Allgeier, in fact, took on an even greater role in BYU’s offensive attack. His efficiency waned slightly, but he still put up monster numbers. In 13 games, Allgeier carried the ball 276 times for 1,601 yards and 23 touchdowns. He also caught 28 passes for 179 yards.
Allgeier’s production is appealing, as is his high-energy style and physical ability. He doesn’t have the highest ceiling in the 2022 NFL Draft, on account of his modest stiffness and upright style. Nevertheless, he can be a dependable player if he has enough support in front of him.