CJ Allen Gives the Colts Their Green Dot of the Future

I think the #Colts' pass coverage over the middle is gonna be just fine, moving forward.

This rep from CJ Allen is nuts. pic.twitter.com/ytabvcjxfd

— Jake Arthur (@JakeArthurNFL) April 27, 2026

This was one of my favorite reps from CJ Allen because one of the hardest things for a linebacker to do is to survive the first phase of the play, but hang with a RB or TE in the scramble drill. CJ here is mugged up to the LOS and opening up in a Match Tampa 2. But because Auburn is in a bunch situation it now becomes a bunch check where CJ is likely responsible for #3 coming across the field on the shallow cross. The lateral agility to be able to stick his foot and undercut the route coming back on the scramble drill is extremely impressive. In fact, these are the type of plays that have plagued the Colts LBs for years now.

WHEW. CJ Allen is incredible pic.twitter.com/K1h9zG6GGi

— Billy M (@BillyM_91) November 1, 2025

Florida is running a Zone Read Lead play on the goal line (a play the Colts are familiar with).He takes a perfect angle and flashes the acceleration to make the tackle on the goalie. These horizontal stretch plays can be awfully difficult to navigate for a LB with so much ground to cover. CJ Allen chases DJ Lagway across the field like it’s nothing. The one critique here is that he drops his head while trying to make the tackle and more elusive players at the next level will punish him for it.

CJ Allen (3) processing + avoiding blockers + making the stop by getting under the QB & dumping him

pic.twitter.com/c6Jg77rRFa

— Anthony Cover 1 (@Pro__Ant) March 17, 2026

This play is absolutely outrageous. Florida is running QB Power Sweep. Georgia is stemming the front from an odd presentation to an even presentation. Watch CJ Allen shed the block while the QB is making his read. It showcases the instincts that are so important at that position.
BOTTOM LINE

I believe that CJ Allen’s ceiling will be mostly dictated by how well his play recognition and instincts will translate to the next level. The good news is that prospects that demonstrate the ability to be around the ball will likely continue to do it at the next level.

I don’t see anything overly outstanding from an athletic profile, but that doesn’t mean much when you can account for it by being smart, tough, and instinctual.

At a bare minimum I think the CJ Allen gives the Colts a strong floor in the middle of their defense.