CJ Allen selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL Draft

TL;DR

CJ Allen has been selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL Draft after a standout career with the Georgia Bulldogs. He aims to enhance the Colts' defense, which struggled last season.

Key points

CJ Allen selected by the Indianapolis Colts
Former Georgia Bulldogs linebacker
Led team with 88 tackles in 2025
Colts defense ranked 23rd last season
Aims to improve Indy's defensive performance

CJ AllenIndianapolis ColtsGeorgia Bulldogs

ATHENS, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 15: Arch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns passes the ball under pressure from CJ Allen #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs during the first quarter of the game at Sanford Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) | Getty Images CJ Allen was one of the leaders of the Georgia Bulldogs’ defense last season. Now, he will be taking his talents to the Indianapolis Colts thanks to the announcement from former Colts’ punter, College Gameday host, part time WWE commentator/wrestler, and host of a weekly sports show with his namesake, Pat Mcafee. He will look to be the next great Georgia linebacker in the NFL. Allen, a native of Barnesville, GA, burst onto the scene in 2023. The then-true freshman was thrown into the starting lineup against top 10-ranked Ole Miss after starting linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson suffered an injury the week prior. He proceeded to lead the team with nine tackles and a sack on his way to being named SEC Freshman of the Week. He would only improve over the next two seasons. In 2025, he led the team with 88 tackles and eight tackles for loss. He also made one of the biggest plays of the season against Auburn, when he punched the football out of Jackson Arnold’s hands to force a fumble to prevent the Tigers from taking a 17-0 lead into halftime. NFL.com’s scouting report wrote that he “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.” Allen will look to help improve Indy’s defense, 23rd in total defense last season. His leadership abilities could be crucial for the Colts as they seek to return to a Super Bowl for the first time since 2010. Congratulations CJ and best wishes for a long and productive NFL career!

Q&A

What position does CJ Allen play for the Indianapolis Colts?

CJ Allen plays as a linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts.

How did CJ Allen perform during his college career at Georgia?

CJ Allen led the Georgia Bulldogs with 88 tackles and eight tackles for loss in his final season, showcasing his skills as a key defensive player.

What was the Colts' defensive ranking last season?

The Indianapolis Colts ranked 23rd in total defense last season.