Steelers training camp: Marcus Allen’s stock is soaring

Steelers Marcus Allen has been receiving high praise from the team during training camp, and it could earn him some playing time in 2020

Recent Steelers training camp reports have been released, and according to many, third-year safety Marcus Allen has been playing well. While it may sound trivial to get excited about a backup safety, the Steelers are so thin at the position that having an improved Allen would be a big win. The former Penn State product has struggled to say the least, and his role on the roster was far from secure heading into the year.

Allen was drafted in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, and while he was projected to be a late day two pick by many experts, it became clear why he fell so far to the Steelers. While he is a noted “big hitter”, he showcased poor tackling angles and lackluster pass coverage en route to being cut and signed to the practice squad last year. While it seemed like his Steelers career was likely over, he was brought back up to the roster after Kameron Kelly was cut. Even then, Allen barely saw the field and still struggled when he did.

Even more puzzling was the Steelers’ use of him. Hyped as a special team’s demon, Allen has logged 19 total special teams’ snaps in his two seasons. Thus, it put his roster spot in jeopardy, as Jordan Dangerfield is an established special teams ace and rookie Antoine Brooks Jr. has the looks of a quality special teams’ player as well. The recently signed Curtis Riley is the only real FS option; thus, he may have a shot at cracking the roster (not to mention he has reportedly looked good in camp as well).

The Steelers safety may have finally turned the corner

Recent quotes have emerged though citing Allen’s ability in camp. On paper, he has been one of the best defenders in camp. Here’s what defensive backs coach, Tom Bradley had to say:

"“I think this is a big year for Marcus, and he’s taking advantage of a lot of different things. One thing, he’s playing a lot faster this year. You can tell he really understands the system. He’s very versatile. We can do a lot of different things with him in our package.”"

Now, there isn’t a clear role for Allen on the defense this year. His first big step will be beating out Dangerfield for the backup SS spot. If he can do that, he will be well on his way to seeing the field. That means he will have to see more time on special teams. Given his size and physicality though, it isn’t hard to imagine him thriving in that role.

Can he see significant snaps on defense? That question is much harder to answer. The easiest path to the field would be in dime defense, as Mark Barron was the primary dime backer. That’s roughly 400-500 snaps that need to be replaced. Allen has the size at 6’2, 215 lbs. to thrive in that role if he has developed like he reportedly has. If Allen could go from potential cut to starting dime backer, the Steelers should consider it a major win.

It doesn’t end there, and while it is far too early to project him as a starter, Terrell Edmunds has been a disappointment as a first-round pick. If Allen earns his way onto the field and shows off ball skills, you could even see a switch of positions with Allen becoming more of a SS and Edmunds moving more into the box. While this is truly the best-case scenario, the Steelers should be open to it if Allen truly earns it this offseason.

Going from potential cut to a starter is a stretch, but don’t be surprised if Allen starts appearing on dime defense. It seems like the game is finally slowing down for him, and if so, the Steelers weakest depth position could turn into one of the strongest. Keep an eye on Allen heading into the season, as he may find a role on this defense sooner than later.