CJ Allen's Pro Day, Cowboys' Linebacker Needs

0:00On March 22nd, Georgia linebacker CJ Allen skipped athletic testing at his pro days earlier this week, sticking to positional drills instead. This came after he passed on workouts at the Scouting Combine last month. Short clips from the session raised some eyebrows about his movement, even though his college film shows plenty of promise. Allen had a minor meniscus procedure back in November, but he played out the rest of the season looking fine. Let's say Nees Welling kept him from full testing this time, though he did handle those position-specific moves with some visible limits. Fans and scouts have linked Allen to the Dallas Cowboys in early mock drafts, with the team showing real interest. That said, his medical history means they should think twice about reaching for him in the first round come draft time. Meanwhile, other linebackers are climbing boards fast, like Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez after a strong combine, or Missouri's Josiah Trotter with his. Tough playstyle. Cincinnati's Jack Golday brings the size and speed that could fit Dallas' scheme too.

1:01The Cowboys desperately need a middle linebacker after passing on free agents and trading a starter for a mid-round pick. With three selections in the top 100 and more, soon after, they have solid day two or three options and should avoid forcing a high pick just to fill the gap.