Georgia linebacker CJ Allen has been a late riser as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches. Less than a week out, he has put himself in first-round consideration, according to EssentiallySports’ Tony Pauline.
Allen, 21, did not participate in athletic testing at the Combine or Georgia’s pro day. But this week, he worked out for scouts and rank a 4.46-second 40-yard dash, Pauline adds, despite being just “months removed from knee surgery.” That gave scouts more confidence in his recovery and athleticism, which firmed up his spot as the third-ranked linebacker on most big boards.
Pauline previously mocked Allen to the Bills and adds the Buccaneers and Cowboys as other options. Those teams would trade back from their No. 15 and No. 20 picks, respectively, to select him.
The Bills need to find a long-term replacement for veteran inside linebacker Matt Milano, who hit free agency this offseason after nine season in Buffalo. The current starters would be Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams, but Williams is entering the final year of his contract. Allen would be a long-term running mate for Bernard who would likely succeed him as the Bills’ primary inside linebacker.
The Buccaneers are in a very similar situation. They saw Lavonte David sign with a new team this offseason after 14 years in Tampa Bay. Alex Anzalone and Christian Rozeboom were signed as immediate veteran replacements, but SirVocea Dennis is on an expiring deal. Again, Allen would come in and push Anzalone or Dennis for playing time with a long-term projection as a high-level starter.
The Cowboy do not have a clear starter next to DeMarvion Overshown, who is entering the last year of his contract, too. He is a candidate to be extended, but, as in Buffalo and Tampa Bay, Allen could be an instant No. 2 who takes over as the top spot in the future.
The one significant drawback of selecting Allen in the first round is the loss of value on his fifth-year option. Currently, off-ball/inside linebackers are grouped with outside linebackers for the NFL’s positional designations relating to contracts. As a result, inside linebacker fifth-year option values are based on the salaries of the league’s top edge rushers, who are significantly more expensive. That means the fifth-year option for linebackers is inflated and therefore not worth picking up.
Allen also met virtually with the Texans, Eagles, and Seahawks, per KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson.
Lavonte David retired he didn’t sign elsewhere
Hey they were close!
I’d be surprised if he isn’t at least a good starting linebacker by year three (in this era I’m rarely of ever counting on an off ball linebacker to be fully good right awaY). Very reasonable guy to take in the late first in a not so great draft.