Dejon Allen: From Undrafted NFL Prospect To CFL Gridiron Dominance

BC Lions OL Dejon Allen ruled out, RB James Butler questionable for ...

The journey of an offensive lineman in professional football is rarely a straight line. For Dejon Allen, a versatile and highly athletic blocker, the path to gridiron success required navigating the hyper-competitive waters of college football, surviving the roster cuts of the NFL, adapting to the developmental leagues of the XFL, and ultimately finding professional stardom in the Canadian Football League (CFL).

Understanding the rise of Dejon Allen requires a deep dive into how modern offensive linemen adapt to varying styles of play. From the standard American rules to the unique, fast-paced nuances of Canadian football, Allen's career serves as a masterclass in resilience, technical adaptability, and athletic durability.

The Foundation: College Stardom at the University of Hawaii

Dejon Allen established his reputation as an elite blocker during his collegiate career with the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors. Playing in the Mountain West Conference, Allen proved to be an indispensable asset to Hawaii’s offensive unit from 2014 to 2017. Over his collegiate career, he demonstrated remarkable durability and versatility, starting in 49 games and transitioning seamlessly between the guard and tackle positions.

At Hawaii, Allen was recognized for his exceptional lateral quickness and explosive point-of-attack power. Despite being slightly undersized by traditional NFL offensive tackle standards—measuring 6 feet 3 inches and weighing approximately 295 pounds—he neutralized larger defensive ends with superior leverage, hand placement, and footwork. His outstanding performance in his senior year earned him First-Team All-Mountain West honors, cementing his status as a legitimate professional prospect.

The collegiate tape of Dejon Allen highlighted a player who excelled in zone-blocking schemes. His ability to reach-block defensive tackles on the stretch play and climb to the second level to seal off linebackers made him a favorite among scouts who prioritized mobility over sheer, stagnant mass.

The Pro Transition: NFL Stints and Alternative Leagues

After going undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft, Allen began a journey through various professional leagues, demonstrating his relentless commitment to his football career. His initial opportunity came with the Chicago Bears, who signed him as an undrafted free agent. Allen spent the 2018 season on the Bears' practice squad, gaining invaluable experience practicing against elite NFL defensive talent.

Following his tenure in Chicago, Allen spent time with the Green Bay Packers and the Jacksonville Jaguars. In these environments, Allen refined his pass-protection mechanics, learning to handle the diverse rush packages and sophisticated blitz schemes characteristic of the modern NFL.

When the NFL opportunities paused, Allen refused to let his career stall. He transitioned to the XFL in 2020, playing for the St. Louis BattleHawks and the New York Guardians. The spring league served as an excellent showcase for his high-motor playing style, proving that he could maintain a high level of performance under different coaching staffs and in pressure-cooker professional environments.

Argos extend Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman winner Dejon Allen, one ...

CFL Superstardom: Reaching the Peak with the Toronto Argonauts

In 2021, Dejon Allen made the pivotal decision to sign with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL). This move proved to be the turning point of his professional career. The CFL's unique rules—particularly the one-yard neutral zone between the offensive and defensive lines—favor athletic, quick-footed offensive linemen who can react to speed rushes in space. Allen’s skill set was perfectly tailored for this style of play.

By the 2022 season, Allen had established himself as the anchor of the Argonauts' offensive line, playing right tackle. His pass protection was crucial in keeping quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson clean, leading the Argonauts to a historic victory in the 109th Grey Cup.

Allen’s dominance reached its zenith in 2023. He was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman, an honor that verified his status as one of the premier blocking talents in professional gridiron football. His ability to lock down the edge against elite CFL pass rushers allowed Toronto's offense to lead the league in several key statistical categories.

Scouting Report: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Technical Analysis

To understand why Dejon Allen succeeded where many other fringe NFL prospects failed, one must analyze his physical traits and technical execution.

Key Strengths:

Lateral Agility and Footwork: Allen possesses elite foot speed for an offensive lineman. This allows him to mirror speed rushers effectively and recover when defenders attempt inside counter moves. Leverage and Balance: Standing at 6'3", Allen naturally plays with a lower center of gravity than typical 6'6" tackles. He uses this leverage to win under the pads of defenders, establishing control early in the rep. Hand Combat: Allen features a violent, precise initial punch. His ability to reset his hands mid-block prevents defenders from converting speed to power.

Areas of Limitation:

Ideal Length: With shorter arms than the prototypical NFL tackle, Allen can sometimes struggle against long-armed edge defenders who excel at keeping blockers off their chest. Anchoring Against Elite Bull Rushes: While highly athletic, extremely heavy interior defenders can occasionally push him back into the pocket if he fails to establish his base early.

The Path to Pro: What Aspiring Linemen Can Learn From Allen

The blueprint of Dejon Allen’s career provides critical lessons for young offensive linemen aiming to reach the professional ranks:

Prioritize Versatility: Do not lock yourself into one position. Allen's willingness and ability to play both guard and tackle at a high level made him highly valuable to roster construction in every league he entered. Master the Mechanics: When physical size is not your primary advantage, technical perfection is your savior. Footwork, hand placement, and leverage are the ultimate equalizers on the line of scrimmage. Embrace Alternative Leagues: The path to a sustainable career in professional sports is rarely linear. Leagues like the XFL, UFL, and CFL provide invaluable film, competitive pay, and the opportunity to keep your dream alive while developing your craft.

Frequently Asked Questions

What position does Dejon Allen play?

Dejon Allen is a highly versatile offensive lineman. While he played both guard and tackle during his collegiate career at Hawaii and his early NFL/XFL stints, he has primarily excelled as a starting right tackle for the Toronto Argonauts in the CFL.

Has Dejon Allen won any major awards?

Yes. Dejon Allen won the prestigious CFL Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman Award in 2023. He is also a Grey Cup Champion, winning the title with the Toronto Argonauts in 2022.

Why did Dejon Allen succeed in the CFL compared to the NFL?

The CFL field is wider, and the rules require a one-yard neutral zone between the offense and defense. This setup prioritizes lateral quickness, space navigation, and athletic recovery over raw bulk. Allen's elite footwork and basketball-like agility made him an ideal fit for this wider, fast-paced environment.

Where did Dejon Allen play college football?

Dejon Allen played his collegiate career for the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors from 2014 to 2017, where he started 49 games and earned First-Team All-Mountain West honors.

Enhance Your Football Knowledge and Training

Whether you are an aspiring offensive lineman looking to perfect your lateral kick-slide or a passionate football fan analyzing the structural differences between the NFL and CFL, studying elite performers like Dejon Allen is key to unlocking a deeper appreciation of the game. Explore our comprehensive coaching breakdowns, strength training guides, and professional scouting reports today to elevate your athletic journey.