The Indianapolis Colts seemingly chose wisely when they took linebacker CJ Allen in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The selection was Indy's first in the draft, but it filled an immediate need. Allen should be a Week 1 starter.
What is certain is that he already sounds like a five-year veteran. Of course, he was known to have a high football IQ at the University of Georgia, but sometimes it takes a new player a year or so to fully acclimate. Not Allen.
Speaking with the media during rookie minicamp this week, Allen was asked about being done with the draft process and getting to practice with his new team. His answer was precise, poised, and fantastically logical.
Indianapolis Colts rookie CJ Allen is already saying all the right things
"At the end of the day," the linebacker told James Boyd of The Athletic, "it’s still football. It may be different names or things like that. But, man, still gotta tackle the person with the ball, get to the ball. So, that’s the main thing."
In other words, CJ Allen speaks exactly like one would expect from a high-end inside linebacker. The trash talk can be left to the guys who play on the outside, such as wide receiver and cornerback. The off-ball linebackers are the glue players, tasked with being sure-tacklers, stopping the run, and being involved in nearly every play.
Allen could even be the green dot in defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo's system, and the DC has already stated he has never had a first-year player in that role. He also said he could see why Allen could do it.
The rookie speaks like a player who has seen all there is to see, and won't be fooled too often by what an offense is trying to do. He should also supply the kind of pass coverage skill that the traded Zaire Franklin never had. He will improve the overall defense because there seemingly isn't anything Allen can't do, and he will only get better as he gets older.
By the middle of next season, Indianapolis Colts fans could be seeing the future in the present. Allen will be playing one inside linebacker spot, calling the plays for the defense, and fellow rookie Bryce Boettcher could be at the other spot.
The duo might be a massive upgrade over former starters Zaire Franklin and Germaine Pratt. Their play alone should improve a defense, possibly good enough to help a highly successful offense. Indy could be a playoff team, and CJ Allen could be leading the way.
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