Today, we move to the second level of the defense, looking at the Dennis Allen model for linebackers. Dennis Allen’s Scheme Requirements at LinebackerLet’s first talk about what Dennis Allen wants to accomplish with his linebackers. Dennis Allen runs a base 4-3 defense (with multiple fronts, including odd looks and over/under alignments) that is aggressive, attacking, and heavily features man coverage.

Since 2016, Dennis Allen’s defense in New Orleans deployed man coverage on approximately 55% of dropbacks – the fifth highest in the NFL over that time period. This preference for man coverage requires his linebackers to be athletic in coverage and disciplined in their run fits. He often uses “mugged” looks – where the linebackers will walk up to the line – when in this formation, linebackers must play aggressive man-match principles.

In his base personnel (early downs vs. 12 or 21 personnel): Typically, like most 4-3 defenses, Allen has a strong side linebacker in a three-linebacker personnel grouping alongside the four defensive linemen. However, given the modern trends in the NFL passing game, Allen has adjusted, as most 4-3 defensive schemes have, to a nickel package – so much so that arguably the nickel package (where the strong side linebacker is replaced by a nickel corner/safety) is the true base alignment of Allen’s defense. NFL offenses are employing 11 personnel (1 running back, 1 tight end, 3 wide receivers) as their primary formation, to the tune of approximately 60% of offensive snaps, and the primary personnel riposte for Allen’s defense to 11 personnel is a nickel defense with only two linebackers on the field.

Dime packages (frequent on 3rd-and-long or obvious passing situations): Often drops to 1 linebacker (or even 0 in extreme looks) with 6 defensive backs. Allen has leaned heavily on dime (up to 66% on some third downs in past seasons), which reduces LB snaps compared to more traditional schemes.Play Characteristics of Allen LinebackersThis does not mean that linebackers are not an important cog on the Allen defensive approach. To the contrary, Allen places an enormous amount of responsibility in the hands of his linebackers – which is why athleticism is at a premium for the ideal model of an Allen linebacker – either at the Mike or the Will positions.

As when we discussed Allen’s preferences for safeties, he wants linebackers that can be flexible and fast – Allen’s linebackers are a big part of the simulated pressure packages that he likes to throw at offenses. The key trait is speed and athleticism. Allen prizes elite short-area quickness and straight-line speed to match tight ends, slots, or running backs in man coverage.

If you were ever wondering about that seemingly strange Reuben Hyppolite pick at linebacker in the 4th round of the 2025 draft – his 4.39 second 40-yard dash is the answer to that wonderment. Allen seeks to minimize the offense’s ability to exploit linebackers in space. Change-of-direction and instincts matter more than pure size for covering athletic pass-catchers.

A related trait is their coverage ability. Since Allen is frequently in man coverage, his linebackers need to be able to effectively handle receivers man-to-man. The ability to mirror routes, deploy an effective trail technique, and not get washed out are essential features of an Allen linebacker.

Lastly, Allen wants linebackers with high football IQ to handle the disguises, communicate the calls to the defense, and to drop in simulated pressure situations. It isn’t that Allen doesn’t care about run defense or physicality at the point of attack, but he will sacrifice those traits to get rangy, cover linebackers who can play sideline to sideline. Physical Characteristics of the Allen LinebackerGenerally, Allen linebackers will range from 6’0″ to 6’3″ tall, 225–245 lbs in weight, and have good wingspan-to-height ratios at off-ball linebacker (Will/Mike/Sam roles).

Allen looks for fast linebackers at both of the linebacker positions on the field in his nickel packages – sub 4.65 40-yard dashes are very much preferred. Exemplars from Allen’s DefensesDemario Davis (Saints archetype): Davis was the long-time anchor of Allen’s defense in New Orleans. He is physical, instinctive, and producti