Colts Draft CJ Allen, Boost Linebacker Depth

0:00On April 25th, the Indianapolis Colts just made their first move in the 2026 NFL draft, snagging linebackers CJ Allen from Georgia at Pick. 53 Overall Allen balled out for the Bulldogs over four years, suiting up in 41 games with 30 starts, and he earned first team all SEC honors last. Season by leading the team in tackles, tackles for loss and forced fumbles. Now he's primed to fill the void left by Zaire Franklin, who got shipped off to the Green Bay Packers in the offseason, giving the Coltsum. Much needed depth at linebacker right away. The team slid back from their original spot at number 47 by trading down with the Pittsburgh Steelers, smart maneuvering after they already. Sent their first rounder to the New York Jets for cornerback Saw Scardiner, midseason. With Allen locked in, Indianapolis builds momentum heading into day two of the draft, eyeing more picks to show off the defense and push for that. Playoff run.