CJ Allen reveals a “super power” that could land him in the NFL first round
INDIANAPOLIS — CJ Allen is clearly ready for his moment, choosing to postpone the NFL combine drill work until Georgia’s Pro Day instead.
“I’m going to push everything back to my Pro Day,” Allen said during his podium appearance Wednesday at the Indiana Convention Center during the NFL Combine. “That’s when I’ll be running, jumping and doing drills, so nothing (Thursday).”
With a body of work that includes plenty of contact-heavy tape, Allen is considered a potential first-round pick for the draft scheduled April 23–25 in Pittsburgh.
“I’d like to say I can do it all; that’s my job description, to hit people,” said Allen, who started 41 games for the Bulldogs over three seasons and posted career highs last year in tackles (88), tackles for loss (8) and sacks (3.5).
“I have good size, when I hit you, you’re going to feel it. I’m able to generate knock-backs, especially against offensive linemen.”
Allen also spoke about the unique role of the middle linebacker in Kirby Smart’s defense at Georgia, noting that a line of NFL-caliber linebackers who’ve thrived recently backs his confidence.
Players such as Nakobe Dean, Quay Walker and Roquan Smith have developed into elite performers and leaders at the professional level, reinforcing the pathway Allen is pursuing.
“When you sign that (scholarship) paper, you know what you’re signing up for, especially as an inside linebacker,” said Allen, listed by Georgia at 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds. “It’s a different kind of commitment with the style of defense we play.”
That sense of leadership, preparation and instinct is what has NFL teams so high on him as a potential first-round pick.
“First Georgia Bulldog drafted, I’m not sure he’s the first, but he’s my favorite, CJ Allen,” said Nick Baumgardner, a senior NFL Draft analyst for The Athletic.
“I think he’s the guy. When I hear Kirby Smart talk about him, he’s the quintessential Georgia linebacker, and he also has some of the hybrid versatility. This is the best linebacker class we’ve seen in a while. He’s very safe; he’s my favorite in the Georgia group.”
Allen’s teammates clearly appreciated his leadership too, often choosing him as a game captain and acknowledging his impact.
“I think I have a super power to make guys around me better on and off the field,” Allen said. “Playing in the middle elevates the guys around me, and it translates off the field as well.”
Allen credited Smart for readying him to be a starting middle linebacker as a rookie, a projection reinforced by NFL draft grades.
“He definitely prepared me,” Allen said. “I prepared as a starter from Day One, no matter how deep the room was, and I take a lot of pride in it … I know that’s the quarterback of the defense.”
“Our practices, Coach Smart and Coach (Glenn) Schumann, put us in uncomfortable positions,” Allen continued, “so when we get to the games, it’s nothing.”
What really matters is the tape and the temperament, and Allen has both. When he works out at Georgia’s Pro Day—tentatively set for March 18—the focus will be on how his measured numbers match his on-field impact.
“I’m proud of how I came into the game, into college,” Allen reflected during the public portion of his NFL interview. “I entered with hunger and aggression and kept that throughout my entire career.”
Would you agree that Allen’s combination of impact plays, leadership, and scheme-fit makes him a standout NFL prospect, or do you think a different linebacker profile will define the 2026 draft center stage?
