Where Chargers’ Keenan Allen ranks among ESPN’s top wide receivers

Despite proving himself on the field and having the stats to back it up, Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen still doesn’t get the recognition that he deserves to this day.

But how do those in the league feel about Allen and how he stacks up among the rest of the crop at his position ahead of the 2021 season?

After surveying over 50 league executives, coaches, scouts, and players, Allen checked in as the sixth-best wideout ahead of the season, which is two spots higher than what he was listed last year, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

The five receivers ahead of him, in order, are Packers’ Davante Adams, Cardinals’ DeAndre Hopkins, Bills’ Stefon Diggs, Chiefs’ Tyreek Hill and Titans’ Julio Jones.

Early on in his professional career, Allen was dinged by injuries. However, he has managed to stay healthy over the course of the past four seasons, averaging 100 receptions and over 1,000 receiving yards in that timespan, making four Pro Bowl appearances.

The majority of Allen’s production has come because of his ability to consistently get open due to his route-running savvy, demonstrating quick releases and light feet with suddenness to create separation from defensive backs.

“Everything he does is detailed — releases, setting up DBs in the route stem and at the top of the route,” an AFC offensive coach said. “Really does a nice job of creating separation.”

While his work is primarily done in the short to intermediate parts of the field, Allen is still capable of winning deep due to his excellent body control and physicality to reel in even the toughest passes.

“The only knock is he’s not a true vertical guy, but he can still win deep, though. If I need eight yards on a crucial down, he’s one of the first guys I call,” another AFC coach said.