None of longtime Indianapolis Colts receiver T.Y. Hilton’s 1,086 catches or 53 touchdowns came in a New York Giants uniform.
When he looks at Cyrus Allen, though, Cincinnati Bearcats coach Scott Satterfield is reminded of the five-time Pro Bowler — and the Giants should be paying close attention.
Allen, who had previously played at Louisiana Tech and Texas A&M, finished his college career at Cincinnati under Satterfield last season. Ahead of next week’s draft, Satterfield told ESPN that Allen reminds him of Hilton and Dolphins receiver Tutu Atwell, both of whom Satterfield previously also coached.
Allen had a career-high 51 catches and Big 12-leading 13 touchdowns for the Bearcats last season. His 674 receiving yards led Cincinnati and helped him earn second-team All-Big 12 honors.
“Cyrus is just as effective in college as they were,” Satterfield said. “When you get to the NFL, Cyrus plays so fast that he’s going to be able to get open, because you can’t put their hands on you like in college.
“And he’s bigger than what most people think,” Satterfield added. “He’s not small like T.Y. or Tutu.”
What to know about Cincinnati receiver Cyrus Allen
At 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, Allen isn’t going to beat teams with his size. He posted an estimated 4.47 40-yard dash at his pro day, which would have been 21st among the 34 receivers who ran at the combine.
Satterfield’s praise for Allen, not to mention the comparison to Hilton and Atwell, should nonetheless grab Giants fans’ attention.
Satterfield was FIU’s offensive coordinator from 2010-11, overlapping with Hilton during the latter’s junior and senior seasons. Hilton earned Sun Belt Player of the Year in 2010 and first-team all-conference honors both years.
Similarly, Atwell played his final two college seasons for Satterfield at Louisville. Atwell’s ACC-leading 1,276 yards in 2019 set a school record, and he turned 12 of his 70 catches into touchdowns.
Allen is widely projected as a Day 3 pick, and the Giants have five selections on the draft’s final day. He’s a three-year starter who impressed against both mid-major and Power 4 conferences, no small feat in the transfer portal era.
As for Allen’s supposed lack of speed, consider that Ohio State standout Carnell Tate ran a 4.53 at the combine. However, Tate’s tape and background more than outweigh his 40 time.
Given their need for impactful young receivers, Allen should absolutely be on the Giants’ draft board. He’ll play his entire rookie season at 23, and he’d be a far better addition to their receiving room than Odell Beckham Jr.
“If he gets drafted late, or as a free agent,” Satterfield said, “he’ll have an opportunity to do some really good stuff.”
Add us as a preferred source on Google