Colts' draft pick named 'instant impact' defender by ESPN

ESPN's Field Yates put together his list of Day 2 or 3 "instant impact" rookies from the 2026 NFL draft, and one of the Indianapolis Colts' picks was included.

Likely not coming as a surprise to anyone, Colts' linebacker CJ Allen was one of 10 defenders to make Yates' list.

"Allen is an excellent defensive quarterback with good instincts, a feel for zone coverage and pass-rush juice (3.5 sacks last season)," Yates wrote.

The stage is set for Allen to be a Day 1 starter. The linebacker position for the Colts was short on experienced depth and high-end talent heading into the NFL draft.

The question around Allen is whether or not he will wear the green dot for the Colts. Under defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, a rookie has never had that responsibility. Anarumo has also previously had a safety wear the green dot when he was in Cincinnati.

That said, Anarumo believes Allen can handle those duties -- he did at Georgia the last few seasons. But before making it official, Anarumo first wants to see Allen in that role at the NFL level during practices.

For now, determining who will be the defensive signal caller for this season is not a priority for Anarumo. That will work itself out as offseason programs and training camp unfold.

"Really, that's the last thing on my mind," Anarumo said. "I think that if it's a safety or another linebacker, we'll see, but I got a feeling he's going to be able to do it, though. He did it down there, so he's used to it. That's the good news now, with the guys in college, they have that now. They never had it before, and now they do. So, obviously, over the last couple years. So, I think that will help him."