2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: C.J. Allen (LB – Georgia)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Georgia linebacker C.J. Allen.

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: C.J. Allen

C.J. Allen (LB – Georgia)

6-foot-1 | 235 Pounds

Background

A Georgia native and highly-regarded recruit (was rated five stars by some sources), C.J. Allen has been starting since his true freshman season. Posted 41 tackles that season (2.5 for loss, one sack), then 76 in 2024 (three for loss) before earning All-American honors this past season, finishing with a line of 88-8.0-3.5.

Positives

Three-year starter from a major program, with escalating year-on-year production. Allen is pretty well-built for a modern middle linebacker. Good pre- and post-snap communicator. Shows good patience when reading keys to avoid false steps, showing impressive discipline and making good decisions. At his best when he’s playing the run between the tackles. Does a nice job of keeping his shoulders square when defending the run.

Allen has the suddenness and hand usage to slip past would-be blockers, and can also hold the point of attack very well, with an impressive anchor. There’s some good pop in his hands, and he can occasionally jolt opposing blockers on contact. Flashes impressive physicality, with a low pad level to engage. Takes sound angles to the ball. Has been a highly reliable, hit-and-wrap form tackler over the course of his career.

Shows the ability to disguise/time his blitzes, and looks relatively smooth when running twists/stunts; had more success in that area this past season as well. Was asked to drop into coverage regularly, and shows pretty good technique and hips when getting to his spots. Georgia occasionally shaded him over opponents lining up in the slot.

Negatives

An adequate athlete, but perhaps not a true sideline-to-sideline player in terms of his overall speed. Allen doesn’t always show the best motor when the play gets out toward the sidelines, almost as if he’s deferring to teammates in the area.

Downhill-first mentality can cause Allen to get sucked in a bit by misdirection. Still developing his feel in coverage. May not have the ideal physical/athletic profile to work in man coverage against running backs or tight ends regularly. Doesn’t have the most flexibility in his ankles to bend when rushing the passer. Closing burst is adequate but not elite.

Summary

A three-year starter and a bit of a throwback to the between-the-tackles thumpers of the past, Allen showed good patience and technique in the run game, with good decision-making, the power to take on blocks and reliable tackling.

Allen is an adequate coverage linebacker who can time his rushes effectively when sent as a blitzer. However, his overall athleticism and range don’t really pop off the tape as much as anticipated. Projecting him into the first round might be a reach despite his decorated junior season.

Projection: Round 2