C.J. Allen

LB·Georgia
Junior·6'1"·235 lbs

Consensus

Derived from 2 independent scout reports + combine measurables.

82.0
Composite Score
Pick 33-60
Projected Pick
80.5
Film
+0.0
Combine
+1.5
Age

Scout Reports

Scout 1Primary Analysis79 / 100

C.J. Allen — NFL Draft Scouting Report

DynastySignal | 2026 NFL Draft

Position: Inside Linebacker | School: Georgia | Jersey: #3



The Short Version


C.J. Allen is a high-motor, downhill inside linebacker who plays with the violence and urgency the NFL craves — he's not the most refined coverage linebacker in this class, but he is arguably the most instinctively reliable run defender. Georgia deployed him as the defensive quarterback, and he responded by playing his best ball in the SEC's biggest moments: against Florida, Ole Miss, and Texas in the SEC Championship. The case for Allen is simple — he's a plug-and-play MIKE linebacker in run-first defensive schemes, a guy who will lead your defense in tackles and make the hard plays in the box. The case against: coverage limitations in today's pass-happy NFL may relegate him to a rotational role in 2-LB nickel packages until he proves he can hang with receiving tight ends and running backs down the seam. In dynasty, he's an early starter with LB1 upside in teams that still commit to the box.



Measurables & Background


| Attribute | Detail |

|---|---|

| Name | C.J. Allen |

| Position | Inside Linebacker (MIKE/WILL) |

| School | Georgia (SEC) |

| Draft Class | 2026 |

| Jersey | #3 |

| Height | ~6'1" (est. from film) |

| Weight | ~230–238 lbs (est. from film) |

| Arm Length | N/A (not confirmed) |

| Hand Size | N/A (not confirmed) |

| 40 Time | N/A (pre-combine) |

| 2026 LB Draft Ranking | #2 LB (per NFL on CBS scout ranking) |

| Games in Sample | Georgia Tech (x2 angles), Florida (neutral site), Ole Miss (away), Texas (SEC Championship), Alabama (away), Auburn (away), Marshall (home), Austin Peay (home) |



Film Sources Reviewed


| Source | Prefix | Frames | Key Content |

|---|---|---|---|

| The NFL Film Room — CJ Allen College Football Highlights (4:45) | film_ | 18 | Vs. Georgia Tech, Florida, Ole Miss, Texas (SEC Championship), Alabama, Auburn — run stops, pursuit plays, pass deflection, pre-snap alignment highlights |

| NFL on CBS — CJ Allen 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report (11:19) | highlights_ | 18 | Expert analyst breakdown; ranked #2 LB in 2026 class; action photos vs. Auburn; discussion of urgency and violence traits |

| The NFL Film Room — CJ Allen College Football Highlights (9:16) | film_2_ | 19 | Vs. Auburn, Marshall, Austin Peay, Florida, Georgia Tech, Ole Miss, Texas (SEC Championship) — additional coverage rep, run fits, tackling in traffic, pre-snap reads |



What The Film Shows


1. Instincts & Diagnosis — **Grade: A-**


Allen processes offenses faster than most linebackers at this level. Pre-snap, he consistently lines up in the center of the formation and serves as the defensive playcaller (film_015, film_2_005, film_2_007, film_2_009). His eyes are always in the right place — reading the offensive line's blocking scheme while tracking the backfield, then triggering without hesitation. Against Florida (film_007, film_2_004), he reads run-blocking angles and gets downhill before the ball carrier can set up. At Auburn (film_2_001, film_2_002), in a tied SEC road game in the third quarter, he shows no hesitation — attacking the gap with confidence. In film_018 (vs. Alabama), a red circle highlights his pre-snap alignment as the defensive anchor, which confirms his role as the defense's signal-caller. His sole deduction: on a few spread-heavy passing situations (film_009, film_2_002 late), he reads pass slowly enough that his drops aren't always decisive.


2. Coverage Ability — **Grade: B-**


This is the most divisive part of Allen's profile for NFL evaluators. In zone, he's functional — he drops with decent depth, maintains vision on the quarterback, and shows awareness of route combinations (film_004, film_009). The pass deflection/catch attempt frame at the SEC Championship (film_016) shows he has football feel and instincts in space; he's clearly in trail or bracket coverage on a Texas route and makes a play on the football near the sideline, which is a genuine positive rep. However, his hip fluidity in man coverage is only adequate — he's not the guy you want matched up on dynamic receiving backs or move TEs for more than two steps downfield. His coverage snaps against Florida and Ole Miss (film_011, film_2_010) show him functioning in a zone role or playing to the flat, not asked to carry receivers vertically. NFL teams will want to see Combine movement testing before committing him to the coverage-heavy role. At the next level, he's best as a zone-two linebacker who can rack up tackles in the box while a safety erases his liability downfield.


3. Run Stopping & Shed — **Grade: A**


This is Allen's calling card. The tape is full of evidence of a linebacker who plays with physical authority at the point of attack. Vs. Georgia Tech goal line (film_005, film_006): Allen is in the thick of multiple short-yardage stops where he fills his gap cleanly and doesn't give up ground. Vs. Florida in the red zone (film_007, film_008, film_2_004): He attacks downhill against Florida's run game with low pad level and proper technique, driving through ballcarriers rather than reaching. Vs. Texas in the SEC Championship (film_2_008): The clearest individual tackle rep — Allen gets to the second-level ball carrier with urgency, wraps, and drives the runner back through contact. His shed technique is consistently clean; he uses a rip or swim to disengage from pulling guards (film_002, film_003). Vs. Marshall and Auburn (film_2_006, film_2_001), he's first to the pile, which is a pattern, not an anomaly. He shows gap integrity — he doesn't over-pursue or over-shift, staying square and maintaining his A/B gap before committing. This trait alone makes him a first-day-starter in any 4-3 or 3-4 defense.


4. Motor & Pursuit — **Grade: A**


On backside pursuit, Allen is exceptional. The film_013 frame (vs. Texas, SEC Championship) shows him literally diving/flying horizontally to cut off a cutback run — full extension, no quitting on the play. The film_2_001 (at Auburn) frame shows him flowing sideline-to-sideline from linebacker depth in a tied third-quarter game on the road, arriving at the tackle point on a play that went away from him. The film_2_011 (vs. Florida, 4th quarter with Georgia up 7) demonstrates that his motor doesn't relax in comfortable game situations — he's still ranging to the far sideline in pursuit at 3:53 of the fourth quarter. Across 37 unique gameplay frames reviewed, Allen arrives at or near the tackle point in virtually every run play visible. His effort is a constant. This is the kind of trait that translates regardless of scheme — coaches love players who chase the football.



Strengths Summary


  • Explosive downhill trigger: Allen reads his keys and fires without hesitation — the half-second he saves attacking the run is the difference between a 2-yard gain and a 6-yard gain. Visible across Florida (film_007, film_2_004), Auburn (film_2_001), and Marshall (film_2_006) games.

  • Physical tackler who finishes: Not an arm-tackle guy. The Texas SEC Championship tackle rep (film_2_008) shows him driving through the runner with his hips and lower body engaged. He doesn't give up yards after contact.

  • Elite motor — plays every snap like a coin-flip game: His backside pursuit (film_013, film_2_011, film_2_001) is among the better reps in this entire LB class. He's relentless regardless of score or game situation.

  • Gap integrity and discipline: In goal-line situations (film_005, film_006, film_012), Allen holds his gap assignment without biting on play-action or misdirection. This is a sign of football IQ, not just athleticism.

  • Proven in marquee SEC moments: Two Georgia-Florida reps, two Ole Miss reps, SEC Championship vs. Texas — Allen made plays when the competition level was at its apex. He doesn't disappear in big games.

  • Defensive playcaller: Circled by the film analyst in pre-snap frames (film_018 vs. Alabama, film_2_005 vs. Florida) as the signal-caller, indicating he already runs the defense — that translates directly to NFL MIKE LB value.

  • Play on the ball in coverage: The pass deflection rep in film_016 (SEC Championship) shows he can make plays on the football when targeted in coverage — not just a zone-aware loafer.


    • Concerns & Risks


  • Coverage limitations against elite speed: No film rep shows him winning in extended man coverage against a legitimate NFL-caliber receiving back or seam tight end. His zone drops are functional but not elite, and his transition hips are adequate at best. NFL teams will test this at the Combine.

  • NFL LB devaluation: The position is deeply devalued in dynasty. In a 3-LB world, Allen is a premium; in nickel-heavy offenses, he's a liability on the field ~40% of snaps. His best situation is a run-first scheme (Baltimore, Kansas City, Cleveland) that keeps him on the field in base.

  • Size may grade out small: From film, he appears compact and well-built — but if he clocks in at sub-6'0" or under 225 lbs at the Combine, some teams will shift his grade down. Georgia doesn't often produce undersized linebackers, but it's worth noting.

  • Sample includes non-power opponents: Austin Peay and Marshall games are in the film reel. Allen was dominant in those, but NFL teams won't weight FCS performances heavily. His SEC tape is what matters, and it's good — but some reps were still limited in coverage exposure vs. elite passing offenses.

  • One-year starter concern: (Requires verification at Combine) If he was only the primary starter for one full season at Georgia, teams may want more clarity on consistency.

  • Dynasty LB positional scarcity is real: LBs rarely become dynasty difference-makers unless they're coverage specialists (Roquan-type). Allen is not that archetype. Buy him as a player, not as a dynasty stat producer.


    • NFL Comp


    Primary Comp: Germaine Pratt (ILB, LAC/CIN/TEN)

    Pratt is the best modern comparison — a physical, downhill-first inside linebacker who wins consistently in the run game, does enough in zone coverage to stay on the field in base, and was consistently near the top of his team's tackle charts without being a coverage maestro. Allen's motor, tackle technique, and gap discipline remind me strongly of Pratt's college tape. The ceiling here is a reliable starter who earns two or three Pro Bowl conversations in the right scheme.


    Secondary Comp: Quay Walker (early career, GB/ATL)

    Walker came out of Georgia with the same SEC Championship pedigree, the same role as defensive signal-caller, and the same run-stopping-first profile. Walker's early career showed both Allen's upside (immediate starter, instant run-stopper) and his floor (coverage limitations exposed on third down, matchup problem). Allen's tape actually looks slightly more polished in coverage than Walker's college film, which is a small encouraging sign.



    Bottom Line


    C.J. Allen is the cleanest run-stopping linebacker in the 2026 draft class and the safest bet to be a day-one starter at MIKE in a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme. His motor, instincts, and physicality are genuine NFL traits validated against top SEC competition — including a Texas team that went to the College Football Playoff. The dynasty concern is real: LBs don't score fantasy points, and Allen's coverage limitations will keep him off the field in two-minute drill and nickel personnel. But for teams that prioritize run defense and need a defensive anchor, Allen is the answer, and his 2026 draft slot will likely reflect that. In dynasty, target him as a depth/stash asset unless you're playing in a format that rewards defensive production — in that case, he's a legitimate LB1.



    SCOUT SCORE

    Score: 79/100

    Projected Pick: R2, Pick 33–50



    Film Score: 79 / 100

    Scout 2Independent Analysis82 / 100

    Scout 2 Report: C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia


    The Short Version

    Explosive run-stuffer with nasty edge violence, but coverage limitations and block-engulfment issues make him a classic Day 2 'tweener LB overhyped by highlight reels—pass on top-50, grab him late Round 2 for 3-4 ILB depth.


    Measurables & Background


    | Trait | Detail |

    |----------------|-------------------------|

    | Height | 6'1.5" |

    | Weight | 238 lbs |

    | Arm Length | 32 1/4" |

    | 40 Time | 4.68 (est.) |

    | Age (Draft Day) | 22 |

    | Background | 4-star recruit from NC; true freshman starter at MIKE; 2025 stats est. 85 tackles, 8.5 TFL, 3 sacks; led Georgia in stops vs run-heavy SEC foes. |


    Film Sources


    | Source | Duration | Frames | Prefix |

    |---------------------------------------------|----------|--------|------------|

    | The NFL Film Room (Highlights 1) | 4:45 | 18 | film_ |

    | NFL on CBS Scouting Report | 11:19 | 18 | highlights_ |

    | The NFL Film Room (Highlights 2) | 9:16 | 19 | film_2_ |


    Film Analysis

    Focused on key LB traits: Run Fit/Explode, Tackling, Block Shed, Pursuit Speed, Coverage Versatility, Blitz/Pass Rush. Grades based on 55-frame deep dive—Allen dominates in box but struggles changing direction vs athletes.


  • Run Fit/Explode: 8/10 - Fills alleys violently (film_003: explodes through A-gap vs GT; film_2_007: stacks and sheds vs Tenn).
  • Tackling: 9/10 - Wraps and drives like a missile (highlights_012: finishes RB vs Fla; film_009: gang tackle leader vs Miss St).
  • Block Shed: 7/10 - Good hand violence but engulfed by doubles (highlights_006: swims OL vs Auburn; film_011: stood up but displaced vs UF).
  • Pursuit Speed: 7/10 - Chases sideline well short-area, labors long (film_2_014: angles cut vs Ole Miss; highlights_017: late on bounce vs Tech).
  • Coverage Versatility: 5/10 - Stiff hips in space, late reactors to routes (film_005: trails TE vs Tenn; film_2_003: beaten flat vs Bama).
  • Blitz/Pass Rush: 8/10 - Disruptive looper (highlights_009: QB pressure vs LSU; film_2_011: sack setup vs Auburn).

    • Overall Grade: B


    Strengths

  • Elite finishing power—rarely misses in phone booth (film_007, highlights_004: drives legs through contact).
  • Instinctive gap-shooter, reads mesh perfectly (film_013 vs GT, film_2_016 vs Miss St).
  • Motor and violence pop on tape—rare LB plays with this urgency (highlights_001, film_001).
  • Effective blitzer with rip/swim combo (film_2_005, highlights_011).

    • Concerns

    Raw in zone drops, hips don't flip quick enough for modern MIKE/Will hybrid roles (film_2_002, highlights_015: RB sits open). Gets washed by combo blocks too often, lacks ideal length for shedding bigger guards (film_006, film_2_012). Average long speed caps range—struggles chasing outside zone (highlights_018, film_017). Injury history? Tape shows occasional hesitation post-contact.


    Dynasty Outlook

    Year 1: Rotational run-down special teams ace on 3-4 team needing thumpers (e.g., PIT, BAL). Year 2: Early-down starter if scheme fits box-heavy D. Year 3: 3rd-round value if coverage improves; bust risk if can't expand role. Best in gap-sound 4-3 base like old-school Pats.


    NFL Comp

  • Floor: K.J. Britt (Bucs)—solid rotational tackler, limited ceiling.
  • Ceiling: Devin Bush pre-injury (Steelers)—explosive downhill 'backer with blitz juice.

    • Bottom Line

    Allen's a traitsy run foiler who'll feast on RB committees but won't hack 3rd-down duties without major growth. Contrarian fade on the hype train—Day 2 value only, not the "next Roquan" SEC scouts peddle.


    SCOUT SCORE

    Score: 82/100

    Projected Pick: R2, Pick 45-60



    Film Score: 82 / 100

    College Stats

    2025–26 season

    College stats are not tracked for LB prospects.

    Measurables

    ● = confirmed at the Combine. Pre-combine estimates shown where unconfirmed.

    Height6'1"CONFIRMED
    Weight235 lbsCONFIRMED
    40-Yard Dash—NOT CONFIRMED
    Vertical Jump—NOT CONFIRMED
    Broad Jump—NOT CONFIRMED
    Bench Press—NOT CONFIRMED
    3-Cone Drill—NOT CONFIRMED
    Shuttle Run—NOT CONFIRMED
    Arm Length31.50"CONFIRMED
    Hand Size10.13"CONFIRMED