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Colts continue to revamp defense by taking LB CJ Allen with their 1st pick in 2026 NFL draft
TL;DR
The Indianapolis Colts selected linebacker CJ Allen with the 53rd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft as part of their defensive revamp. This follows the loss of several key defensive starters and a trade that sent their first-round pick to the New York Jets.
Key points
- Colts selected CJ Allen at No. 53 overall in the NFL Draft
- Team lost three defensive starters and traded another
- General manager Chris Ballard focused on defensive upgrades
Indianapolis ColtsNew York JetsGreen Bay
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indianapolis Colts continued their defensive overhaul Friday by selecting former Georgia linebacker CJ Allen at No. 53 overall in the NFL draft, ending a long wait to make a selection. Indy did not have a pick Thursday night because it sent its first-round pick to the New York Jets in a trade deadline deal for two-time All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner. The Colts then traded back six spots to acquire an extra Day 3 pick. At 6-feet, 230 pounds, the Colts believe Allen can fill the void left by Zaire Franklin, who was traded to Green Bay in March. Franklin topped the 100-tackle mark in each of his four seasons as a full-time starter and ranked among the league leaders with 167, 179 and 173 from 2022-24. Going defense again was no surprise, though. Indy already has lost three starters — defensive end Kwity Paye and safety Nick Cross in free agency, in addition to Franklin, who landed with Green Bay. A fourth starter, former Pro Bowl cornerback Kenny Moore II, has requested a trade. General manager Chris Ballard beefed up his defensive line by signing ends Arden Key and Michael Clemons and, tackles Derrick Nnadi and Jerry Tillery in free agency. He also acquired defensive tackle Colby Wooden from the Packers. The Colts also added depth in the secondary by signing safeties , Cam Taylor-Britt and and linebacker in free agency. They've also convinced safety to make a comeback after he retired before the 2023 season. The Colts still have one more pick, a third-round selection, Friday and six more picks Saturday. \\_ AP NFL:
Q&A
Who did the Colts select in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Colts selected linebacker CJ Allen with the 53rd overall pick.
What prompted the Colts to focus on defense in the draft?
The Colts lost three starters in free agency and traded another, which led to their focus on rebuilding the defense.
What trades did the Colts make before the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Colts traded their first-round pick to the New York Jets for cornerback Sauce Gardner and also traded back six spots to gain an extra Day 3 pick.
