Summary

LeQuint Allen Jr. was selected in the 7th Round (#236 Overall) in the 2025 Draft out of Syracuse. Over three collegiate seasons, Allen amassed 2,359 rushing yards and 26 rushing touchdowns, while also catching 119 passes for 848 yards and 6 receiving touchdowns, earning Second‑Team All‑ACC honors in 2023 and significant offensive accolades throughout his tenure. In his rookie NFL season (2025), Allen has contributed mostly on third‑down opportunities and returning kicks. Known for his toughness, versatility in run/pass roles, and high effort, Allen is considered a high‑character, team‑oriented player who excels on early‑down and passing downs alike, bringing grit and professionalism to a crowded Jaguars backfield.

Strengths

• Dual‑Threat Run/Pass Skill Set: Equally productive as a receiver out of the backfield as he is a runner, showing reliable hands and route awareness.

• Pass Protection Ability: High-cut and built like a werewolf, Allen has immediately carved a role as one of the best pass‑protection backs in the NFL, adding third‑down value.

• Versatility: Capable of contributing as a rotational on‑offense back, third‑down receiving option, and kick returner and rarely fumbles despite his high career usage dating back to Syracuse.

• Intangibly Rich: Allen is revered as the poster-boy of James Gladstone’s “Jaguars DNA” and is not afraid of backing down from anyone in the NFL. As a rookie, Allen proactively tried to mix it up with guys like Maxx Crosby and Jeffrey Simmons without second thought.

Weaknesses

• Work-in-Progress as a Runner: While Allen is a violent runner who relishes contact with the ball in his hands, he lacks the innate vision and patience for the position that could be developed in time.

• Athletic Ceiling: Allen doesn’t possess elite track‑star speed or suddenness compared to premier NFL backs and projects more as a complementary piece/role player.

• Contact Balance vs. Power: More of a technical finisher than a punishing downhill rusher, which may limit short‑yardage dominance. Due to his body type, it is more difficult for Allen to maintain balance through contact than someone with a lower center of gravity like his teammate, Bhayshul Tuten.

• Punished by Competence: Because Allen is so well-rounded and offers so much value catching balls out of the backfield, picking up blitzers, and returning kicks, it is unlikely that he will be able to pave a path as a reliable NFL runner on early downs.

Outlook

Allen projects as a multi‑down rotational back and passing‑down weapon in the NFL, particularly in offenses that leverage versatile backs who can protect the passer and move the chains on early downs. His receiving chops and blocking ability make him an ideal candidate for third‑down roles and special teams play, while his collegiate production suggests potential for expanded touches when injuries or scheme shifts arise. Although not an elite vertical threat, his all‑around skill set and toughness align well with teams that value complete backs over pure speed backs. In Jacksonville’s offense, Allen should continue to see situational opportunities and is well on his way to carving out a steady multi‑year career as a change‑of‑pace and receiving back with occasional return duties if development in pass game nuance and consistent offensive snaps continues. Don’t be surprised if you look up ten years from now and Allen is still wearing teal as a fan favorite in Duval, similar to how Kevin Faulk made a 13-year career in New England with Tom Brady.