C.J. Allen

Indianapolis Colts

Pos ILB

Updated September 3, 2026

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Scouting Report

2026 draft class

CJ Allen is a top-tier athlete with enormous potential at just 20 years old to develop into a linebacker who never has to come off the field in the NFL. The 6'1", 235-pound backer went to Georgia as a 4-star recruit in the 2023 class and immediately saw the field as a true freshman, participating in all 14 games with 5 starts, collecting 40 tackles, 3 TFL, a sack, and 2 PD. As a sophomore, he started full-time and racked up 76 tackles, 3 TFL, an interception, and 4 PD. Allen is great in coverage with elite athleticism, being a very good mover with smooth hips to cover tight ends and running backs in man coverage while tightening throwing windows in zone. His impressive hand-eye coordination and vertical jump allow him to make plays on the ball in the air that most linebackers cannot. His good speed helps him carry wide receivers on vertical routes when playing Tampa 2 and gives him sideline-to-sideline range.

Strengths

Very good athlete with smooth movement to cover tight ends and running backs
Impressive hand-eye coordination and vertical jump for ball plays
Good speed to carry receivers in Tampa 2 with sideline-to-sideline range
Can defeat blocks with athleticism and shoulder dip move
Takes on blocks with hands and good pad level for extension
Sure tackler who wraps up and brings ball carriers down

Concerns

Doesn't have much pop behind pads when coming downhill
Could add extra mass to improve physicality
Can be slow to key and diagnose run plays
Gets caught in trash or beaten to spot by offensive linemen
Late run-pass transitions against play action
Shows mental lapses in coverage with wrong assignments or taking cheese on checkdowns