CJ Allen is a linebacker from Georgia projected to be selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. This comprehensive scouting report analyzes Allen’s draft potential, current mock draft trends, and where he ranks among the top prospects.
CJ Allen’s NFL Draft Potential
CJ Allen isn’t as big or long as most other LBs in the early-round range at around 6’1″, 235 pounds, but he’s simply a good football player who has the skills that transfer on Sundays.
Athletically, Allen is quick, amped-up, and explosive on the attack, and he has the speed and range to cover ground to the sideline, or drop in coverage on seam routes or into Tampa 2 zones. Allen’s burst can be weaponized as a blitzer up gaps, or as a breaker on short curls and hitches, and his rapid play pace and fast processing magnifies his utility as a responder. Allen’s take-on technique can still be inconsistent, as he doesn’t have the high-end length to consistently control blocks. Nevertheless, Allen is a well-rounded two-phase, three-down LB with definite starting ability as a MIKE or WILL.
Especially down the stretch in the 2025 season, Allen took over with his play, and re-emphasized his standing not only as the heart and soul of the Georgia defense, but a clear early-round prospect with early-career starting utility at the NFL level. Against Florida, he racked up a team-leading 13 total tackles and was always around the ball. In flat pursuit, he was fast-flowing, with the range to erase paths upfield, and between the tackles, he used his patience, fast gap processing, and rapid, relentless trigger to manage and shoot through gaps, limiting gains on inside runs.
Against Mississippi State in Week 11, it was more of the same. Allen was dutiful and spatially disciplined in coverage, and he was fast-flowing in sideline defense, while effectively engaging blocks and using his targeted physicality to stay clean. That targeted physicality has been a sticking point for Allen, who doesn’t have the same length that other LBs do – but in Week 11, he was effective in using well-timed punches and scrapes to get clear of blocks and stay active in pursuit. He left Georgia’s game against Texas early, but it was only a short stretch on the sidelines for the All-SEC performer.
In total on the regular season, Allen accumulated 80 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, three pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. He registered a strong 82.4 PFSN LB Impact grade, and generated nine splash plays on the year, per TruMedia. He won’t have the measurables to match up against Arvell Reese or Sonny Styles, but if you’re looking for an incredibly sound three-down LB and potential MIKE with range, motor urgency, coverage utility, and the physical disposition to play up to his opponent’s tenacity, Allen is the player for you.
Where Is Allen Being Selected Most Often in the PFSN Mock Draft Simulator?
Mock draft data for CJ Allen is not currently available. Check back for updated MDS information as we get closer to the 2026 NFL Draft.
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Where Does CJ Allen Rank Amongst Other NFL Draft Prospects?
Allen is currently outside the top 100 in my December big board but remains an intriguing prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft. Rankings are updated monthly as the college football season progresses and more scouting information becomes available.
Want to see how we rank all the draft prospects in the PFSN Mock Draft Simulator? Check out our NFL Draft Prospect Rankings page, which includes more than 750 prospects.
