Kaytron Allen | Penn State | 5’11”, 216 lbs | 1/8/2004 (23)
Kaytron Allen was drafted by the Washington Commanders, becoming the ninth running back and 187th overall player selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
Despite having to deal with Nicholas Singleton in the same backfield, Kaytron Allen stayed four seasons at Penn State. Not only that, but he thrived, eventually taking over the lion’s share of the work. After productive freshman and sophomore campaigns, Allen really exploded over his final two seasons, rushing for 2,411 yards and 23 touchdowns in that span.
What’s impressive about Allen is that he increased his rushing yardage in each season. In doing that, he leaves as the program’s all-time leading rusher. Pretty extraordinary when you think about all the excellent backs that went to school there. Through the air, Allen isn’t agile enough to pick up large chunks, but he does have decent hands for a larger back and reeled in 70 receptions for 490 yards during his collegiate career.
FILM
Allen is built like a power back, but has the ability to turn the corner on sweeps and tosses. He pushes through contact, rarely going down on the first tackle attempt. He also has solid vision, seeing holes that are opened up for him and exploiting them.
However, Allen’s lack of speed shows up when he gets to the second level. He’s also slow in and out of his cuts — there’s not much wiggle in his game. If Allen earns a large role at the next level, it’ll be as an early-down grinder and goal-line weapon. He simply lacks the quickness and soft hands to be a three-down NFL back.
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ATHLETIC TESTING
Allen didn’t do any drills at the NFL Combine. His arms measured at 29 ½” and his hand size was 9 ½”.
DRAFT ANALYSIS
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Poor
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Great
Allen may have been the ninth back picked, but it happened all the way in down in Round 6. The good news is that he lands in a crowded but winnable RB room. The only threats ahead of him are Jacory Croskey-Merritt, a seventh-rounder last year who rushed for over 800 yards, and Rachaad White, who signed a cheap one-year deal this offseason.
If Allen can ball out in training camp and show Washington that he’s the superior rusher, he may be able to carve out a role on early downs in 2026. Beyond that, it’s wide open, and Allen could have some long-term upside in this offense.
FANTASY INSIGHTS
His fantasy value will be entirely dependent on whether or not he can surpass Croskey-Merritt on the depth chart. White’s role as a third-down blocker and pass-catcher is likely pretty set — that’s not Allen’s strengths anyway. But if he gets the bulk of the early-down work over JCM, Allen could be a decent TD-dependent FLEX play. In Dynasty, he’s worth taking a swing on anytime in Round 3. The landing spot makes him a better bet than most late-round skill position players in this draft.
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Wolf Trelles-Heard is a fantasy football contributor for Dynasty Football Factory. Find him on X at @DynastyFFWolf.
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