Colts' scout weighs in on LB CJ Allen selection

Linebacker was the most pressing need for the Indianapolis Colts entering the 2026 NFL draft. GM Chris Ballard addressed that position with the team's first pick, selecting Georgia's CJ Allen, who was viewed as one of the top linebackers in this year's class.

From the jump, Allen has the ability to start for the Colts, specifically as the team's green dot wearing MIKE linebacker.

"High-level communicator," said Colts' scout Anthony Coughlan. "You see that in person at practice, you see that at a game, and you see that on film. Highly instinctive. I think he's got rare instincts for a college football player. So the reactive quickness kind of allows him to play faster, and he's already fast. He ran really well a couple weeks ago. I just see a rare feel for a two-and-a-half-year starter in a complex system at Georgia, and there's a lot on his plate mentally. So, definitely I could see green dot potential for us, and he's handled that the last two years at Georgia."

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, 21, was named a first-team All-American following the 2025 season.

"I just think that is a tough place to play in practice, and man, he graduated from that program, I like to say," Coughlin added. "So, it's a hard thing to do. I mean to come in there as a freshman amongst all those really top talent in the country and play early, I just think that speaks to his prep out of high school and his determination, just like his mental makeup and maturity, man. Like, he's just prepared, he's diligent, he's detailed. He is the best practice player I viewed this fall, I thought, out of a few hundred players. Just the intensity and focus he had really stood out to me."

As the 35th-ranked prospect on Arif Hasan's consensus big board, landing Allen at pick 53 also provided the Colts with really good value in the draft as well.