Colts Move Down, Grab Linebacker CJ Allen at No. 53: Quick Breakdown
The Indianapolis Colts appear to have secured a key piece for their defense moving forward. With the 53rd pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, they selected Georgia linebacker CJ Allen.
After trading down from No. 47 in a deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Colts picked up extra value—adding a fourth-round selection (No. 135) and improving their late-round position by moving up from No. 249 to No. 237. Even with the move, they still landed one of the top linebacker prospects available.
Heading into the draft, Indianapolis’ need at linebacker was widely recognized—arguably one of the most obvious gaps in the league, aside from quarterback Fernando Mendoza being projected as the No. 1 overall pick.
The team had brought in Akeem Davis-Gaither during free agency following the departure of longtime captain Zaire Franklin, who was traded to the Green Bay Packers. While that helped, it didn’t fully address the hole in the defense.
Now, the Colts add youth and speed to their linebacker group—something general manager Chris Ballard emphasized as a priority earlier in the offseason.
Allen, ranked No. 35 on the Consensus Big Board, represents strong value at pick No. 53. At just 21 years old, he profiles as a natural successor to Franklin. Measuring just under 6-foot-1 and weighing 230 pounds, he combines solid run defense with impressive athleticism, highlighted by a 4.47-second 40-yard dash that showcases his sideline-to-sideline range.
During his time at Georgia, Allen was highly productive, recording 205 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks across 41 starts. While he wasn’t known for generating turnovers—finishing with only one interception and two forced fumbles—his consistency and tackling ability stand out.
He could step into a leadership role on defense, potentially taking over the “green dot” responsibilities. However, if the Colts go this route, they may still need to pair him with a linebacker who excels more in pass coverage.
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