CJ Allen was one of the best linebackers in the nation in 2025. The Butkus Award finalist in entering the 2026 NFL Draft as a player who will bring leadership and tremendous instincts to any team who drafts him.
At 6-foot-1, 235 pounds, Allen was elite for the Georgia Bulldogs’ defense racking up 88 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 8.0 tackles for a loss. A Mike linebacker with great side-to-side speed, Allen is a high-volume tackler who sniffs out the run and is also able to use his speed to blitz the quarterback.
Although Allen does need to work on his coverage skills against tight ends and running backs catching ball out of the backfield, the man known as the heart and soul of the Bulldogs’ defense will be just that and more in the NFL as a potential late-first round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
CJ Allen is an “explosive striker”
In referencing his skillset and leadership, NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah has Allen ranked as the No. 22 overall prospect in the draft noting his instincts and awareness as a second-level defender as a value to any NFL team.
Jeremiyah writes:
“Allen is a productive, intelligent playmaker. He plays bigger than his listed size (6-foot-1, 235 pounds). Against the run, he has good instincts/awareness. He can thud off offensive guards or play over the top of them. He flies around the field with outstanding effort. He’s an explosive striker on ball-carriers with a high batting average as a tackler. He has some tightness, which shows up in coverage, but he has enough speed to run with TEs and RBs. He’s instinctive as a zone dropper.”
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In further highlighting his range, strong tackling technique and vocal leadership, Allen will be high on NFL draft boards for team’s in search of an inside linebacker with high impact potential.
As a projected late-first round pick, here are 3 NFL fits for CJ Allen in the 2026 NFL Draft.
3 NFL teams in position to land CJ Allen
Buffalo Bills
With both Matt Milano and Shaq Thompson hitting free agency, the Buffalo Bills will have a decision to make. Will they bring back one or both of their top inside linebackers or use the opportunity to bring in a young stud like CJ. Allen. Even if they re-sign Milano, adding Allen to the mix as either a replacement for Milano or a successor who would play alongside the veteran for a couple of years best serves the Bills for 2026 and beyond. As a team needing to add some thunder defensively, selecting Allen as a top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft would be a great addition.
- Other first round options for the Bills: Denzel Boston (WR), Zachariah Branch (WR), T.J. Parker (EDGE)
Las Vegas Raiders
Coming off a disappointing season, the Raiders enter the offseason with many needs. With the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, the Raiders are expected to address their primary need at quarterback. With a high second-round pick, the team could go in a few directions. If CJ Allen is there at the top of the second round, he should be a top option for the Raiders who have key veterans like Devin white and Jamal Adams hitting free agency. Allen would bring a much-needed leadership to the Raiders’ defense, especially if the team does part ways with edge rusher Maxx Crosby.
- Other second round options for the Raiders: Colton Hood (CB), Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S), Zachariah Branch (WR)
Denver Broncos
The Broncos already have a stout defense, but one area of need is at the inside linebacker position. Look for the Broncos to use either first or second round pick to address the position. Given where they are selecting in the draft order, selecting CJ Allen late int eh first if he slips past a team like the Bills would be an A+ move for the Broncos, especially if they lose Alex Singleton in free agency. With Allen, they get a young linebacker who would flourish on a team strong at every other position. Both his leadership and instincts would fly high in Mile High.
- Other first round options for the Broncos: Kenyon Sadiq (TE), KC Concepcion (WR), Anthony Hill Jr. (LB)