The Indianapolis Colts were without a first-round draft selection this year after using it in a trade for Sauce Gardner mid-last season. Gardner was worth a first-rounder, and hopefully, for the Colts' sake, he pans out for them long-term.Â
With their first pick, the Colts used their second-round selection on Georgia Bulldogs linebacker CJ Allen. The pick was a great move from Colts general manager Chris Ballard. Allen was linked to Indianapolis for weeks leading up to the draft, especially considering their needs at the linebacker position.
Now that they have Allen, the Colts are expecting him to be game-ready for Week 1 to fully take over the spot left by former Colts veteran Zaire Franklin. Of course, Indianapolis can't expect Allen to be what Franklin was right off the hop. That said, according to a rookie list from ESPN, Allen is still slated to make an immediate impact.Â
NFL Insider Field Yates lists Indianapolis Colts' CJ Allen as a top-ten defensive rookie
ESPN NFL Insider Field Yates recently put together his list, focusing on the top rookies selected on Days 2 and 3 of the NFL Draft who will play significant roles on their teams immediately. Yates chose 10 rookies on offense and 10 on defense, respectively, and Allen made the defensive list.
The door for Allen to step in right away and contribute to the Colts defense is not open just because he can carry that load, but also because the Colts need him to. Trading away Franklin was a big loss, and the Colts were never going to let the draft go by without selecting his replacement, or, at the very least, a player or two simply to have more linebackers.Â
According to Yates, Allen is ready for the responsibility, and he expects the rookie to slide in nicely and make an impact right away.
"Despite not having a first-round pick, I was a fan of what the Colts did in the draft. Indianapolis added multiple players who should contribute right away, with Allen being at the forefront," Yates wrote. "After trading Zaire Franklinto Green Bay, the Colts have snaps available at inside linebacker for Allen and fellow draftee Bryce Boettcher. Allen is an excellent defensive quarterback with good instincts, a feel for zone coverage, and pass-rush juice (3.5 sacks last season)."
Allen was joined by an AFC South division rival from the Tennessee Titans, Anthony Hill Jr., another linebacker. Both the Colts and the Titans made solid draft picks, but many believe the Titans have had the better offseason so far, with stronger additions in the draft and free agency.
Others on Yates' list alongside Allen were Kayden McDonald (DT, Houston Texans), Mason Thomas (Edge, Kansas City Chiefs), Jacob Rodriguez (LB, Miami Dolphins), Jakobe Thomas (S, Minnesota Vikings), Keionte Scott (CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Kaleb Elarms-Orr (LB, Buffalo Bills), Kyle Lewis (LB, Miami Dolphins), and Bobby Jamison-Travis (DT, New York Giants).
The several linebackers on Yates' list are eye-opening, pointing to the large pond of talent and skill the college ranks had at that position this year. Allen deserved to be in the mix, and now, he'll get a chance to show the Colts who they drafted. Hopefully, he meets their expectations and plays like a rookie ready for the job.
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