The Indianapolis Colts rebuilt their inside linebacker group in the 2026 NFL draft, including taking CJ Allen in the second round. The team must have been enamored with Allen's aggressive mindset, especially when he says things like, "I run and hit people best. That’s the best thing I do."
That's what the linebacker told The Athletic's James Boyd in a post-draft talk. Allen added, "I think my position just clarifies what I do as a linebacker, as an inside linebacker. Being able to run and hit and get to the ball."
While Indy fans have watched Zaire Franklin man Allen's new spot for the last several seasons, and Franklin had a feisty attitude, the veteran was far from a perfect player. He missed far too many tackles for an inside linebacker, such as whiffing on 15.5 percent of his attempts in 2025, a wretched number.
Franklin was also putrid in coverage. While he was outspoken about the poor state of the team at times, Franklin also needed to have some self-reflection. He was good against the run, but cost the team in other aspects of his job.
Allen, at least in college at Georgia, was excellent at wrapping up opposing ball-carriers. In 2024, he missed only six percent, and in 2025, only 7.8 percent. He does need to work on his coverage skills, as he had a passer rating allowed of 101.7, and gave up four touchdowns combined in the past two years while intercepting just one pass.
The linebacker does have a high football IQ, though, and he should be able to adapt and adjust his coverage skills to what defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo needs. The rookie could also be Anarumo's green dot on defense in his first year.
Barring an injury, CJ Allen should be a Week 1 starter for the Colts, and the only question is who will play next to him. That could be veteran Akeem Davis-Gaither or fellow rookie Bryce Boettcher.
As for his approach and mindset, Allen already is handling himself like a long-term starter at inside linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts. He won't just be playing the middle of the field, but will likely develop quickly into a team leader. General manager Chris Ballard wanted his team to get younger and more athletic this offseason, and Allen is the embodiment of that.
Plus, Allen obviously enjoys one aspect of his job: hitting and tackling other people. He will get a chance to do that quite a bit early in his career.
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