CJ Allen scouting report: UGA LB elevates the play of others around him

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 25: CJ Allen of Georgia poses for a portrait during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Colts landed UGA linebacker CJ Allen at No. 53, and in Allen they’re getting a leader who can elevate the play of everyone around him. Here’s what you need to know.

Stats & Accolades

• 2023: (14 games played, 5 starts), 41 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, sack, 2 pass breakups

• 2024: (14 games played, 12 starts), 76 tackles, 3 tackles for loss

• 2025: (13 games played, 13 starts), 88 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 4 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles, fumble recovery, First-Team All-SEC, First-Team All-American

What the Colts are getting:

A throwback linebacker who leads the defense from both behind and in front. Will make his fair share of plays but Allen excels in making sure his teammates are all in the best position to succeed. Works well in a phone booth to dissect and attack inside runners, as well as close in on routes over the middle in zone. Allen has an innate feel for knowing how to set up his blitzes to maximize the chances of catching the offense off guard.

Strengths

• Top tier tackle fundamentals that greatly minimized missed opportunities
• Adequate click-and-close speed
• Knows how to set up and time his blitzes
• Patient and methodical when sifting through trash around the line of scrimmage

Weakness