Javorius 'Buck' Allen to Baltimore Ravens: Full Draft-Pick Breakdown

Running back was a strength for the Baltimore Ravens last year, and that should be the case again in 2015 with Justin Forsett back in the fold. 

Even though the Ravens re-signed Forsett this offseason, their depth at that spot got thinner after they waived Bernard Pierce. In order to address that, Baltimore spent a fourth-round pick on Javorius "Buck" Allen.

How Allen Fits the Ravens

After Forsett, Lorenzo Taliaferro is the only Ravens running back who has gotten significant playing time at the NFL level. But he is a big question mark after being benched at the end of last season due to fumbling issues. 

Allen has a chance to win the backup spot behind Forsett and get 10-plus touches per game as a rookie. That's because he's a good ball-carrier and receiver out of the backfield. 

The 6'0", 221-pounder was the No. 1 back in USC's offense this past season while rushing for 1,489 yards and 11 scores. He also caught 41 passes for 458 yards and one score, which shows how versatile of an offensive weapon he can be. 

This is why Allen will get plenty of opportunities in training camp to win the backup spot behind Forsett this year. He's a better runner than Taliaferro and any other back on the roster, and he offers more as a dual-threat weapon. 

Don't be surprised if Allen manages to steal snaps from Forsett and make this more of a committee backfield. That's how talented the rookie is. 

Another good thing about Allen is he's not prone to fumbling the ball, which is why he'll likely beat Taliaferro for the backup job. 

Per Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun, Allen had just six career fumbles in 480 touches. Here's an excerpt of his scouting report from NFL.com's Lance Zierlein:

"

Has quick-stop, jump-cut ability to make defenders miss in the backfield. Can slalom back and forth, navigating around traffic through the line of scrimmage and into the second level. Able to shake linebackers and downhill safeties in space.

Short-area acceleration to give leg-tacklers a vanishing target. Has lateral quickness to bounce runs outside and create something out of nothing. Factors into passing game, averaging 11.3 yards per catch over last two seasons. Plays with adequate burst through the crease. 

"

One knock on Allen is that he was a full-time starter for only one season. In 2013, he rushed for 785 yards and 14 touchdowns with 22 catches for 252 yards and one score while working in a committee. 

That also means he doesn't have much tread on his tires and could be in for a long, productive NFL career. 

Initial Reaction to Allen Selection

This was a solid pickup, as Allen was one of the best running backs on the board, if not the best—something Baltimore needed to add.

Even though the Ravens have en established starter at this position, Allen is capable of earning a starting role eventually in his NFL career. 

After all, Forsett turns 30 in October, which is the age when running back production tends to drop off. It wouldn't be a surprise if Allen ends up being one of the biggest contributors to come out of this draft class.