CJ Allen is a linebacker who plays with the kind of intensity that makes you think he’s trying to split the line of scrimmage in two. As a standout prospect from Georgia, he’s exactly the type of player the Tampa Bay Buccaneers might be eyeing.
Allen enters this year's draft as part of a storied tradition of Georgia linebackers known for their speed, instincts, and hard-hitting style. But what sets Allen apart is his cerebral approach to defense and his natural leadership abilities, qualities that make him particularly appealing to coach Todd Bowles and the Buccaneers.
The Buccaneers hold the No. 15 pick in this year's draft, set to take place on Thursday, April 23, in Pittsburgh. They have seven picks overall, including three within the top 100, giving them ample opportunity to bolster their roster.
Next-Gen Defensive Leader
A former top-100 recruit, Allen chose Georgia over numerous SEC powerhouses and quickly became the anchor of the Bulldogs’ defense by his junior and senior years. His combination of range, physicality, and football IQ makes him one of the most complete off-ball linebackers in this draft class-a modern three-down defender with the potential to wear the green dot in the NFL.
Allen made his way to Athens from Lamar High School, where he was a standout two-way player, showcasing elite athleticism and natural defensive instincts. Georgia saw him as the next evolution in their linebacker lineage-fast enough to cover ground, strong enough for the SEC’s physical demands, and smart enough to manage the complexities of Kirby Smart’s defensive schemes.
His freshman year hinted at his potential. Injuries in the linebacker corps thrust him into action, and he handled it with the poise and physicality of a seasoned veteran. By 2024, he had earned a rotational spot, and by 2025, he was the undisputed leader of the inside linebacker group.
In his final two seasons, Allen displayed his full arsenal: explosive downhill speed, sideline-to-sideline range, and a knack for diagnosing plays before they unfolded. He set the tone for a Georgia defense that consistently ranked among the nation’s best, earning All-SEC honors and becoming one of the conference’s most reliable tacklers.
Allen is compact and powerful, built with functional strength that shows up on contact. His build is reminiscent of recent Georgia linebackers like Nakobe Dean and Monty Rice-thick through the core and powerful through the hips, capable of both absorbing and delivering hits.
The Upshot
Allen’s instincts and urgency define his game. He quickly identifies run plays, attacking with controlled aggression. His ability to slip blocks, maintain leverage, and make clean tackles makes him a dependable run defender.
In coverage, Allen exhibits fluidity and speed, able to track tight ends and running backs through intermediate zones. He excels in zone coverage, where his awareness and anticipation allow him to disrupt passing lanes. Georgia also utilized him effectively as a blitzer, taking advantage of his timing and burst to pressure quarterbacks.
His leadership is a significant asset. Allen became the vocal leader of the Bulldogs’ defense, handling pre-snap communication, alignment checks, and adjustments-a critical trait for NFL teams.
Developing Story
Allen’s length is average for the position, which can be a factor against longer offensive linemen or when contesting passes. While fast and explosive, he isn’t an extraordinary athlete, and elite NFL offenses might test him laterally. His man-coverage skills are solid but still developing, especially against quick route runners.
Prospect Draft Position
Allen projects as a starting inside linebacker with three-down potential, depending on the scheme. His instincts, toughness, and leadership offer one of the highest floors in this linebacker class. He’s best suited for defenses that prioritize communication, gap discipline, and hybrid pressure schemes.