Keenan Allen’s 40-yard dash time has been debated due to its perceived impact on his speed. However, Allen has become one of the NFL’s top wide receivers, thanks to his exceptional route-running, reliable hands, and football intelligence.
The article discusses how his agility, football IQ, and positional awareness compensate for his 40 time, showing that his game-day performance makes him invaluable to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Allen’s consistency, ability to read defenses, and adaptability highlight his superior football instincts, proving that a 40-yard dash time is just one aspect of a player’s talent and contribution.
Many top receivers have not excelled in the 40-yard dash but have thrived due to their overall skill set. Allen’s career exemplifies how intangibles like vision and timing can outweigh raw speed in determining success.
Keenan Allen: An Overview
Keenan Alexander Allen, born on April 27, 1992, is a celebrated wide receiver currently playing for the Chicago Bears in the NFL.
He initially made his mark at the University of California, where he played for the California Golden Bears before leaving after his junior year to enter the NFL Draft.
Despite not having an impressive 40-yard dash time, Allen’s exceptional talent was evident through his college stats of 205 receptions, 2,570 receiving yards, and 17 touchdowns.
In the NFL, he quickly became a reliable receiver for the Los Angeles Chargers, known for his route running, football intelligence, and dependable hands, solidifying his reputation as one of the top wide receivers in the league.
Keenan Allen’s 40 Time
Despite not achieving a standout 40-yard dash time, Keenan Allen’s prowess as a wide receiver is undeniable. His performance on the field underscores his capabilities, compensating for any concerns stemming from his speed in timed workouts.
Context and Performance at the NFL Combine
In the 2013 NFL Combine, Keenan Allen did not participate in the 40-yard dash due to a PCL injury. This absence fueled speculation about his speed. Allen’s subsequent 40-yard dash time of 4.71 seconds during his pro day received widespread criticism.
Scouts worried that this slower time would impact his draft status. However, his skills in other areas like route running and football intelligence countered these concerns.
Comparisons with Other Wide Receivers
When comparing Keenan Allen’s 40 time to other wide receivers, it’s evident that speed isn’t the sole determinant of success in the NFL. Players like Jerry Rice and Anquan Boldin, who also had slower 40 times, still achieved remarkable careers.
Allen’s technique and skill set have proven pivotal in his outstanding performance with the Los Angeles Chargers. His ability to gain separation from defenders and consistently catch passes demonstrates that agility and football IQ often trump raw speed.
Professional Career
Keenan Allen’s professional career with the Los Angeles Chargers highlights his journey from a questioned prospect to one of the NFL’s top wide receivers. Despite a slow 40 time, his skills have proven indispensable on the field.
Draft and Early Years with the Chargers
Selected by the Chargers in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Allen had much to prove after questions surrounding his speed. Making an immediate impact, he recorded 1,046 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in his rookie season.
His performance earned him recognition as the PFWA Offensive Rookie of the Year. The impressive start to his career silenced critics who doubted his potential due to his 40-yard dash performance.
Standout Seasons and Awards
Throughout his career, Allen has been a consistent force for the Chargers, which has been marked by standout seasons that solidified his status. In 2017, he posted 1,393 receiving yards and six touchdowns, earning him a Comeback Player of the Year title.
His ability to create separation through precise route running made him a five-time Pro Bowler by 2020. These accolades underscore his value to the team and his ability to overcome initial scrutiny about his speed.
Allen’s career exemplifies how football intelligence and skill can prevail over pure athletic metrics such as the 40-yard dash.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Keenan Allen’s 40-yard dash time has been a topic of discussion, but his career showcases strengths that often overshadow this metric.
Physical Attributes
Standing 6’2″ and weighing 211 pounds, Allen’s physical presence on the field is formidable. Although he isn’t the fastest player, his agility and explosive first step allow him to create separation from defenders.
His height advantage gives him an edge in contested catches, while his robust build helps in breaking tackles.
On-Field Performance
Allen’s precision in route-running sets him apart. His sharp cuts and deceptive moves consistently create opportunities for big plays. Known for reliable hands, he rarely drops passes, making him a dependable target.
His football IQ and ability to read defenses enable him to find open spaces, maximizing his impact during games.
Summarizing, Allen’s strengths in physical attributes and on-field performance contribute significantly to his success in the NFL.
College Career and Achievements
Keenan Allen’s college career at the University of California, Berkeley, was marked by impressive performances and accolades that set the stage for his future success in the NFL.
Freshman Year
In his freshman season with the California Golden Bears, Allen made a significant impact, amassing 1,343 receiving yards and six touchdowns. His immediate success highlighted his potential and set him apart as a standout receiver.
His ability to quickly adapt to the collegiate level and deliver strong performances earned him early recognition.
Sophomore Year
Allen continued to excel in his sophomore year, leading the Pac-12 Conference in receptions with 98 catches. He recorded 1,343 receiving yards and six touchdowns, further solidifying his reputation as one of the premier receivers in college football.
His exceptional performance earned him First-Team All-Pac-12 honors, showcasing his skill and consistency. This season demonstrated his ability to be a primary offensive weapon and a reliable target for his quarterbacks.
Junior Year
Despite an injury-shortened junior season, Allen managed to make a notable contribution to his team. His limited time on the field did not diminish his impact, as he continued to display his ability to make challenging catches and run precise routes.
His performance during this season, even with injuries, caught the attention of NFL scouts who were impressed by his resilience and skill.
Draft Declaration
Following his junior year, Allen declared for the NFL Draft, opting to forgo his senior season. His impressive college statistics—totaling 2,570 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns over three seasons—demonstrated his ability to perform at a high level.
Although concerns about his 40-yard dash time surfaced among scouts, his on-field production and football intelligence were seen as compensating factors.
Allen’s college career underscored his potential as a reliable and skilled receiver, attributes that seamlessly transitioned into his professional career.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast was Deion Sanders 40?
Many reports of times below 4.2 or 4.3 are considered suspect, such as Baylor’s Gerald McNeil’s 4.19-second 40-yard dash in the 1980s or Deion Sanders’ 4.27-second 40-yard dash in 1989.
How fast is Keenan Allen?
Due to a PCL sprain, Keenan Allen was not at peak performance, leading to a 4.71-second time in the 40-yard dash. He noted that he was only at 80% health on the pro day.
What was Allen’s 40-yard dash time?
Josh Allen ran the 40-yard distance in 4.75 seconds during his Combine exercises in Indianapolis in 2018. Wide receivers typically run 40 yards in 4.30 to 4.40 seconds on average.
What record did Keenan Allen break?
Keenan Allen surpassed Antonio Brown for the most receptions by a player in NFL history in their first 100 contests, with 622 receptions.
What is Keenan Allen’s 40 time?
Keenan Allen ran the 40-yard dash in 4.71 seconds during his pro day, limited by a PCL sprain that affected his performance.
Conclusion
Keenan Allen’s journey from college standout to NFL star is a testament to his exceptional skills and determination. While his 40-yard dash time raised eyebrows, his on-field performance silenced any doubts.
Allen’s ability to read defenses and create separation has made him a key player for the Los Angeles Chargers. His accolades, including multiple Pro Bowl appearances, highlight his impact on the field.
Allen’s success story serves as a reminder that raw speed isn’t the only measure of a great wide receiver. His career continues to inspire and impress, showcasing the importance of skill, intelligence, and perseverance in professional football.
As he continues to break records and set new standards, Keenan Allen’s legacy only grows stronger. Despite any initial skepticism, Allen has proven that a player’s impact can’t be measured by a single metric alone.
Ashley Hopkinson