CJ Allen is an incredible leader in the middle of the defense. He possesses top-tier instincts and rarely misses a tackle. There is potential to be a three-down linebacker at the next level if he can tune up his coverage skills. This article will highlight Allen and his 2026 NFL Draft Profile.
2026 NFL Draft Profile of Georgia LB CJ Allen
Measurables
- Height: 6′ 1”
- Weight: 235 lbs
- Arm Length: 32”
Player Background
As a four-star recruit out of Lamar County High School, Allen was the fourth-ranked linebacker in the country and considered a top-five player in the state of Georgia. He committed to the Bulldogs during the 2023 recruiting cycle, despite receiving offers from Miami, Indiana, and Oklahoma. Allen enrolled early at Georgia, and this helped him solidify an impactful role as a true freshman.
After his first collegiate start in 2023, he was named SEC Freshman of the Week. Across 14 games in his debut season, Allen posted a 67.8 defensive grade according to Pro Football Focus. His best statistical season came this past season as a junior. He led the Bulldogs’ defense in tackles, tackles for loss, and forced fumbles. Allen’s 90.8 run defense grade ranked 12th among all linebackers in college in 2025.
Accolades
- Consensus All-American (2025)
- First Team All-SEC (2025)
- 2x SEC Champion (2025, 2024)
- Butkus Award Finalist (2025)
- Lott IMPACT Trophy Finalist (2025)
Best Tools
Allen is a future team captain in the NFL. He has incredible communication skills and leadership ability. On film, he gets his teammates in the right formation pre-snap and communicates coverage assignments. This is a player who can handle green dot responsibilities right from day one. Being a finalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy showcases his character and leadership abilities.
Allen has textbook technique. As a tackler, his career missed tackle rate of 7.2% shows his ability to wrap up and finish. Instinctually, Allen navigates the line of scrimmage at an elite level. He works through and around blockers to attack running lanes. There aren’t many plays where he overpursues or takes a bad angle to the ball carrier. Against pulling guards and tackles, Allen maintains good leverage to keep himself in the play and occupy the proper gap.
Tools to Improve
Allen plays with a “see ball, get ball” mentality, and this can hurt him at times, specifically against play action and run-pass options. Quarterbacks can get him to take a step out of position and expose him for an explosive play. He needs to do a better job of staying committed to his assignment rather than playing every down with aggression. His footwork simply isn’t quick enough to recover in time if he doesn’t stay disciplined.
In zone coverage, Allen lacks feel and anticipation. He can leave soft spots over the middle of the field and struggle to stay stride-for-stride with more athletic tight ends. In man coverage, Allen’s stiffness limits his ability to flip his hips and run with backs on angle routes. His poor footwork is showcased when receivers create easy separation with route breaks. There are flashes in coverage, specifically early on this season. However, this is a massive hurdle for Allen to overcome if he hopes to be a three-down linebacker in the NFL.
NFL Projection
Allen feels like one of the safest selections in the 2026 NFL Draft. His leadership qualities and experience as a green dot communicator will help him raise the floor for any NFL defense as soon as Week 1. This is an extremely reliable player on early downs, but splash plays in coverage shouldn’t be expected. His weaknesses can be schemed around by any defensive coordinator with bracket coverages. Allen will be yet another NFL starting linebacker developed by Kirby Smart and the Georgia defense.
