The Indianapolis Colts aim to fill their linebacker gap in the NFL draft by targeting Georgia's CJ Allen. This position is crucial for the team, and the draft offers depth in this area.
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What is the dream scenario for the Indianapolis Colts on Day 2 of the NFL draft?
Sports Illustrated's Gilberto Manzano answered that question for each team, and when it comes to the Colts, his response centers around the linebacker position, which remains a major need for Indianapolis.
In Manzano's dream scenario for the Colts, Indianapolis lands Georgia linebacker CJ Allen. The good news for the Colts is that while linebacker is a pressing need, there is depth at this position in this year's draft.
Allen ranked among the best in run defense over both the 2024 and 2025 seasons, according to PFF's metrics. He's been a very sound tackler. In coverage, he allowed 10.6 yards per catch in 2025, with three pass breakups.
"Allen can help fill the void of Zaire Franklin, whom the team traded to Green Bay in the offseason," Manzano wrote.
Outside of Akeem Davis-Gaither, the linebacker room for the Colts is very short on experience. In line to start next to Davis-Gaither currently is either Jaylon Carlies, who has played 244 career snaps, or Austin Ajiake, who has 157 career defensive snaps under his belt.
Depth is needed, and more competition for playing time is needed. You name it, the Colts need it at linebacker. This is a position where Ballard should be double-dipping in the NFL draft, and he didn't rule out continuing to explore free agency, either.
CJ Allen is a linebacker from Georgia, noted for his strong run defense and tackling skills, making him a key target for the Colts to address their roster needs.
The Colts need to fill the linebacker position, which has been identified as a major roster hole ahead of the NFL draft.
CJ Allen ranked among the best in run defense and allowed only 10.6 yards per catch in coverage during the 2025 season, showcasing his tackling and coverage abilities.
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"We've got some young guys in the locker room," Ballard said of the linebacker position at the NFL league meetings. "We brought in Gaither-Davis, who we like. Lou's had him. So he knows his skill set really well. There's still a couple guys in free agency that we'll still consider. We'd really like to see JC (Jaylon Carlies) -- JC's got to stay healthy, but we think he's got the skill set to be a really good inside backer.
"And look, there's been other years we've gone into this really young. and we're not afraid to go into it with a young player as long as they win the job and can execute what Lou and them want. We feel good about kind of the guys we have, some young players, but also some guys that are still out there and plus the draft."
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Landing Georgia LB CJ Allen 'dream scenario' for Colts