4 things to know about Colts Round 2 pick LB CJ Allen

With their first selection at pick 53 overall, the Indianapolis Colts added some much-needed help at the linebacker position, selecting Georgia's CJ Allen.

Here are three things to know about the pick.

Where does CJ Allen fit in the Colts' defense?

Allen will have the opportunity to start immediately for the Colts. Coming into the draft, we knew that Akeem Davis-Gaither would be one of the starters, but beyond that, in such an inexperienced room, those second and third spots on the depth chart were up for grabs.

CJ Allen's draft profile

Here is what NFL.com's Lance Zierlein had to say about Allen in his pre-draft scouting report:

“Green dot” linebacker and team captain more capable of rowing the boat than making big splashes. Allen plays with toughness and control, sorting through run fits with patience and leverage in pursuit. He has average trigger quickness and pursuit speed, which forces him to work harder to get to junction points when facing climbing blockers. He has adequate size and strength with good hand strikes to play off blocks. He doesn’t blow up blocks or disrupt on the other side of the line all that often, though. He’s an effective blitzer with average man-cover talent and is capable on all three downs. Allen is a dependable starting Mike ‘backer who raises the floor of a defense."

One stat to know about CJ Allen

Allen was one of Pro Football Focus' top-rated run defenders at the linebacker position in 2025.

CJ Allen's athletic profile

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL draft: 4 takeaways from Colts picking CJ Allen