Colts Draft CJ Allen: Young, Fast, Violent

0:00On April 27th, the Indianapolis Colts just snag Georgia Bulldogs linebacker, CJ Allen, with the 53rd overall pick in the NFL draft, trading back from 47 to pick up an extra fourth-rounder in the deal. At just 21 years old, this consensus all-American racked up 88 tackles, 13.5 for loss, 4.5 sacks, and four pass breakups last season, even after bouncing back from a meniscus in MCL tweak. Allen burst onto the scene as a true freshman starter in the SEC, earning team captain honors and spots on leadership councils while chasing major. Awards like the Lot I impact trophy. A four-star high school athlete who also balled in basketball and track, he brings that multi-sport explosion, clocking a 4.47, 40 yard dash, this spring. Fans and scouts love his cerebral side-processing plays like a vet, relaying calls as the Mike linebacker under Kirby smart, with elite run defense. Grades of 88.6 from profile ball focus, top among draft guys.

1:03His stocky six foot, 230 pound frame, makes him a sure tackler, never missing more than eight in a season. Sure, his shorter arms at 31.5 inches, and lighter splash plays, raise eyebrows for some schemes, and pass coverage needs polishing, despite solid secondary snaps. But he's no liability, an urgency and pursuit could ramp up with NFL coaching. Colt's GM Chris Valor called him fast and violent, filling a huge front seven gap with an upgrade in my guys on him, turning that college polish into pro dominance right away.