Patriots Draft CJ Allen: New Linebacker Spark

0:00It's April 9th. You're listening to NFL News Today, AI-powered football coverage. I'm Cory with the story. In Chad Reuters' latest 2026 NFL mock draft, the New England Patriots' Snag University of Georgia Linebacker, CJ Allen, with a 31st overall pick, adding a serious defensive spark. Allen balled out last season for the Bulldogs, racking up 88 tackles, 8 tackles for loss and 3.5 stacks, which landed him. Those team all SEC honors. The Pats find themselves thin at linebacker after cutting Jalani Tavai and Martaimapu while veteran Jack Gibbons bolted to the Arizona Cardinals in, free agency. Reuter points to Allen's natural leadership and his relentless pursuit of ball carriers as the perfect fit to anchor New England's defense. Expect the Patriots to target that position in the draft, first round, or beyond, building a stronger front for the long-home.