CJ Allen Gives the Colts Their Green Dot of the Future
The Colts found their Mike backer of the future that gives them a strong floor in the middle of their defense
Dec 6, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker CJ Allen (3) looks on during the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2025 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images The Colts drafted CJ Allen in the second round of the NFL Draft. With a strong desire to get younger and faster on the defensive side of the ball the Colts found a tough, physical MIKE linebacker who can be the green dot of the future.
We’ll break down some of the tape, but I think the Colts found a player with a strong floor who at a bare minimum can be in contention for Pro Bowls. CJ Allen is going be 21 for his entire rookie year, which really is added value onto a pick that I already hold in high regard. At 6006, 230 LBS he doesn’t have outstanding size for the position, but it’s not underwhelming either..
just average. A common cliché around draft season is that “coaches rave about him”. But CJ Allen is truly the epitome of that cliché.
You don’t see freshman start on Kirby Smart’s defense — yet CJ Allen did it. To learn a defense as complex as the Saban/Smart system in your freshman year is impressive, but to do it as a Mike backer is even more rare. While he’s not a poor athlete by any means, CJ Allen makes uo for a lack of elite athleticism with elite play recognition.
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