The Indianapolis Colts have made their first selection of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting linebacker CJ Allen from the University of Georgia at No. 53 overall.
Allen concluded his collegiate career at Georgia, appearing in 41 games with 30 starts. He earned first-team All-SEC honors in 2025, leading the Bulldogs in forced fumbles, total tackles, and tackles for loss.
His 2025 season totals included:
- 88 total tackles
- 8.0 tackles for loss
- 3.5 sacks
- 2 forced fumbles
- 4 passes defended
Allen is expected to compete for playing time at linebacker, potentially filling the void left by Zaire Franklin, who was traded to the Green Bay Packers this offseason.
The Colts' draft position shifted due to a pre-draft trade. Originally slated to pick at No. 47 on Friday night, Indianapolis traded down with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Additionally, the club’s first-round selection was sent to the New York Jets as part of the agreement for cornerback Sauce Gardner.
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