Colts' scout weighs in on LB CJ Allen selection
Why did the Colts pick Georgia LB CJ Allen? One of Indianapolis' scouts evaluated the selection.
Linebacker was the most pressing need for the Indianapolis Colts entering the 2026 NFL draft. GM Chris Ballard addressed that position with the team's first pick, selecting Georgia's CJ Allen, who was viewed as one of the top linebackers in this year's class. From the jump, Allen has the ability to start for the Colts , specifically as the team's green dot wearing MIKE linebacker.
"High-level communicator," said Colts' scout Anthony Coughlan . "You see that in person at practice, you see that at a game, and you see that on film. Highly instinctive.
I think he's got rare instincts for a college football player. So the reactive quickness kind of allows him to play faster, and he's already fast. He ran really well a couple weeks ago.
I just see a rare feel for a two-and-a-half-year starter in a complex system at Georgia, and there's a lot on his plate mentally. So, definitely I could see green dot potential for us, and he's handled that the last two years at Georgia. " Allen ranked among the best in run defense over both the 2024 and 2025 seasons, according to PFF's metrics .