CJ Allen

NFL Draft Profile: CJ Allen

Position: Inside Linebacker (MIKE/WILL) | School: Georgia | Class: Junior

Height: 6'1" | Weight: 235 lbs | Archetype: Hybrid (Run Stopper / Blitz Specialist)

College Career Summary

CJ Allen arrived at Georgia as a highly-touted recruit and was thrust into a starting role as a true freshman in 2023 following an injury to veteran Jamon Dumas-Johnson. He didn't just fill a gap; he became the heartbeat of the Bulldogs' defense. Over three seasons, Allen evolved into the "green dot" signal-caller, known for his elite diagnostic skills and physical downhill style. In 2025, he led the Bulldogs in tackles (85) and tackles for loss (8.0), earning Consensus All-American honors and becoming a finalist for the Butkus Award. His toughness was immortalized when he returned from a meniscus procedure in just 11 days to play against rival Georgia Tech.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 40

• Total Tackles: 202 (85 in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 13.5 (8.0 in 2025)

• Sacks: 4.5 (3.5 in 2025)

• Interceptions: 1 (2024 vs. Florida)

• Forced Fumbles: 2 (Both in 2025)

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
vs. Clemson	6 Tkl, 1 PD	B+	Sound gap discipline; stifled the inside run early.
@ Tennessee	10 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	A	Motor on display; relentless chasing the perimeter.
@ Auburn	11 Tkl, 0.5 TFL	A	Controlled the middle; elite Play Recognition.
vs. Ole Miss	10 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	A-	Great blitz timing; lived in the backfield.
vs. Florida	12 Tkl, 1 FF	A+	Season Best. Forced fumble in the red zone; tone-setter.
@ Texas	3 Tkl, 1.0 TFL	B	Left in 2nd Qtr with knee injury; was on track for an A.
vs. Charlotte	0 Stats	N/A	OUT (Meniscus procedure).
@ Georgia Tech	2 Tkl	B+	Played just 11 days after surgery; Mental Toughness 10/10.
SECCG vs. Texas	9 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	A	Redemption game; elite physicality against Longhorns OL.
Sugar Bowl vs Ole Miss	8 Tkl, 0.5 Sk	A-	High Stamina; led a dominant defensive outing.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Elite Processing: Allen is a "film junkie" on the field. His IQ allows him to trigger downhill before the offensive lineman has even reached his second-level block.

• Physical Run Defender: He plays with a "glass-eating" mentality. He meets lead blockers with square shoulders and has the lower-body Strength to stonewall running backs.

• Blitz Prowess: Georgia utilized him frequently as a delayed blitzer. He has a natural "slipperiness" that allows him to navigate through the A-gap trash to find the QB.

• Intangibles: A team captain who won the Lott IMPACT Trophy semifinals; his 11-day recovery from surgery became legendary in the locker room.

Weaknesses

• Man Coverage Phase: While he is an asset in zone (Hook/Curl), he can get "leggy" when asked to mirror twitchy RBs or "Super-TEs" in man-to-man isolation.

• Height/Length: At 6'1", he is slightly undersized by traditional standards. Longer-armed guards can occasionally latch onto him if he doesn't win with his initial first step.

• Over-Aggression: His high Competitor drive occasionally leads to over-shooting his run fit on counters and misdirections.

Scheme Fit: Ideal MIKE in a 4-2-5 or a WILL in a 3-4 that allows him to roam and blitz.

NFL Comparison: Roquan Smith / Nick Bolton

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 20/20 | Physical Tools: 17/20 | Attributes: 18/20 | Athleticism: 17/20 | IQ: 19/20

Final Grade: 91/100

CJ Allen is the safest linebacker prospect in the 2026 class. While he may not have the alien-like length of Sonny Styles, he is a more natural "pure" linebacker. He is a high-floor, high-ceiling starter who will likely lead an NFL team in tackles by his second season. His leadership and "iron man" durability make him a target for winning organizations.

Draft Projection: 1st Round (Pick 15–25)