The Indianapolis Colts sat and watched the rest of the league use their first-round picks and then traded down six spots in the second round before finally making their first selection of the event. The wait was well worth it, though, as they landed a true gem at No. 53.
Georgia linebacker CJ Allen is a day-one contributor who can do a little bit of everything. While not the biggest or sturdiest guy out there, his defensive IQ, athleticism, and strong technique made him one of the highest-graded players at the position.
Nevertheless, that's not the only reason why general manager Chris Ballard got him on the phone. Judging by his demeanor, it's impossible not to believe he's going to kill it at the next level. Talking to Kevin Bowen of 105.7 The Fan, Allen let the fans know what he can bring to the table, and his words will certainly buy him some points with Colt Nation.
CJ Allen says the Colts got a true dawg with him
"You are getting a dawg. A true linebacker. You are getting a physical linebacker who can run,” the rookie said.
That's all people need to hear. No fuss, no pretty stuff, just all business. That's the way they do it on defense in Georgia, and that's the type of mindset that can guarantee a decade-plus of strong production in the National Football League.
The Colts had a glaring need for a linebacker after trading Zaire Franklin to the Green Bay Packers. Allen was a green-dot guy with Kirby Smart's team, and it wouldn't be much of a surprise to see him earn that role pretty soon in the pros as well.
He's the archetype of a MIKE linebacker, at least production-wise, and his physicality and football instincts are second to none among rookie prospects at the position. He has shown sideline-to-sideline potential thanks to a swift ability to change directions and his relentless competitiveness; he's not going to give up on a play after getting beaten.
Allen can still get better in coverage, but even if he never becomes a strong contributor against the pass, his athleticism and acumen against the run should make him an impactful addition right out of the gate. He was projected as a late first-round pick in some mocks, so the value was undeniable almost 30 picks later.
A lingering knee injury that prevented him from doing some drills at the NFL Scouting Combine may have been a blessing in disguise for the Colts. It paved the way for them to get a young leader who turned a ton of heads since his true freshman season, when he stepped up as the Bulldogs dealt with a myriad of injuries.
It takes a lot to make a player succeed in the league, especially those who are a bit undersized for their position. Allen clearly has the right mindset and violent approach to the game, which should make him a fan favorite from day one.
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