CJ Allen is a 21-year-old linebacker out of Georgia, where he was born and raised. Allen committed to Georgia in 2023 and earned himself a starting role as a true freshman. In his freshman season, Allen racked up 41 total tackles along with two passes defended and a sack. He cemented himself in the Georgia defense following his freshman year, locking down a starting spot in year two and playing in all 14 games. Allen finished his sophomore season with 76 total tackles, 49 solo tackles, four passes defended, and an interception.
In his final season with the Bulldogs, Allen finished with his best numbers, racking up 88 total tackles, four passes defended, 3.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. He was a force on the defensive side of the ball, swinging games with big plays and stops. The accolades that Allen received for his efforts consist of: Butkus Award finalist; Lott IMPACT Trophy finalist; All-SEC First Team while also serving on the SEC Student-Athlete Leadership Council and Football Leadership Council at Georgia.
Great awareness when coming downhill and filling gaps, good tackler in the hole.
Low miss-tackle rate across three seasons, not afraid of contact.
Covers the field well with good speed.
Knowledgeable linebacker, picks up on keys quick and diagnoses plays with no hesitation.
Flashed the ability to rush the passer, used as a blitzer through A and B gaps.
Good zone coverage ability and closes quickly on throws to break it up.
Weaknesses
Man-to-man coverage against receiving tight ends or running backs.
Does not have the ability to shed bigger blockers consistently, offensive linemen can take advantage and drive him out.
Footwork in man coverage and in transition will need to improve at the next level.
Draft Projection
Many analysts have CJ Allen within the top five linebackers in this year’s NFL draft, with players like David Bailey (Texas Tech), Arvell Reese (Ohio State), and Sonny Styles (Ohio State) ranked just ahead of him. Allen is a projected late first round pick, which would fall perfectly with the Bills pick at No. 26. With the future of the Bills linebacker corps uncertain, bringing in a player like Allen would be a solid addition.
Buffalo has not drafted a linebacker in the first round of the draft since 2018 when they drafted Tremaine Edmunds. With other holes on the Bills roster being filled through free agency and trades such as receiver, safety, and edge rusher, Brandon Beane may be waiting to take one of the linebackers in this deep class, and Allen could very well be the pick.
