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Colts' Draft Steal: CJ Allen Ready to Dominate
7 May
Summary
- CJ Allen, a top linebacker prospect, was a second-round steal for the Colts.
- Allen was a key defensive player for Georgia, earning All-American honors.
- He is expected to fill the void left by Zaire Franklin's departure.
Despite lacking a first-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts have acquired promising young talent, highlighted by former Georgia linebacker CJ Allen. Allen, a highly-rated linebacker prospect, was available to the Colts in the second round following a trade-back with the Pittsburgh Steelers, partly due to a prior meniscus injury. Now fully recovered, he is projected by Sports Illustrated as Indianapolis's best rookie.
Allen's collegiate career at Georgia was highly productive, amassing 205 tackles and 4.5 sacks over 41 games. His senior season was particularly outstanding, earning him All-American status with career-highs in tackles, sacks, and tackles for loss. His leadership and communication skills are expected to help him integrate quickly into the Colts' defense, filling the significant void left by Zaire Franklin.
Indianapolis anticipates Allen becoming a key defensive player and potentially the 'green dot' wearer for coordinator Lou Anarumo. While new to the NFL, his capabilities suggest he can manage the team's defensive calls. His selection in the second round is considered a major draft steal. Allen's ceiling is viewed as higher than Franklin's, and he is expected to contribute immediately, with potential to contend for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
