CJ Allen NFL Draft Scouting Report

The 2026 NFL Draft is right around the corner, and we've got you covered with in-depth scouting reports for all of this year's top prospects.

Georgia's CJ Allen is one of the top linebackers in this year's class, bringing all the physical and mental traits NFL teams are looking for at the heart of their defense. His polished technique and reliability as a tackler should make him a plug-and-play starter at the next level, and his intangibles could separate him from the pack as a potential first-round pick.

Here's everything NFL fans need to know about Allen heading into this year's draft:

CJ Allen's Vitals

Height: 6-1

Weight: 235

Age: 20

CJ Allen's Strengths

An absolute enforcer at the heart of the Bulldogs’ defense, Allen has an ideal blend of speed and physicality that makes him a dynamic playmaker. He flies to the ball when working downhill, arriving at the ball-carrier like a lightning bolt, and packing a punch when he gets there. He’s got an NFL-ready frame and the strength to bring down runners on first contact, as well as work through opposing blockers on his way to the ball. He uses his hands effectively to disengage from blocks and free himself up to make tackles, and his speed gives him limitless range as a sideline-to-sideline defender. Allen’s impressive physical traits are matched by a high football IQ and impressive instincts that allow him to sniff out plays before they even get rolling, leading to big plays behind the line of scrimmage and frustration for the opposing offense.

CJ Allen's Weaknesses

Allen’s fluidity when changing direction can be inconsistent at times, which can leave him a step behind the play, especially when his aggressive style of play leads him to overpursue on misdirection plays and cutbacks. When forced to match up with tight ends in man coverage down the field, it’s clear Allen prefers to keep everything in front of him and play downhill instead of turning and running vertically as a pass defender.

Final Analysis

So many important boxes are checked here, as Allen’s combination of size, speed, intelligence and physicality should make for a swift and effective transition to the NFL game. There are some limitations in coverage, and consistency will need to improve when making quick direction changes laterally, but there’s no reason why Allen can’t smooth those things over with time, developing into a three-down starter with Pro Bowl potential.

2026 NFL Draft Projection: 1st Round