Could CJ Allen have the Chiefs drafting a linebacker early?

CJ Allen offers range, coverage experience, and leadership traits, but his projected draft cost may make him a luxury the Chiefs can’t afford.
Nov 28, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker CJ Allen (3) celebrates after a victory over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Nov 28, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker CJ Allen (3) celebrates after a victory over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

No matter how you view it, the perception around the Chiefs’ linebacking corps is in the eye of the beholder. Some see Nick Bolton as an above-average Mike linebacker and the brains of a complex defense, Drue Tranquill as a quality running mate with another year on his contract, and Jeff Bassa as a talented rookie waiting in the wings. The other view is that Bolton is frequently abused in coverage, Tranquill could be a cap casualty, Bassa is a total unknown with a smaller frame (which the Chiefs haven’t typically used at linebacker), and there is a Leo Chenal-sized hole at the SAM.

Needless to say, drafting a linebacker might not be sexy or popular, but the Chiefs can’t let that position erode. Few things ruin a defense quicker than poor linebacker play, and the Chiefs are closer to that brink than it might seem. This year would be a perfect time to get ahead of their need before it becomes an issue. While Bassa has shown flashes in the preseason, you can’t let that alter your long-term roster construction.

Modern NFL defenses and the linebacker position have finally caught up to NFL offenses, and this class is an example of that. There are easily 5–10 names in this class that feel like long-term NFL starters, and some have All-Pro potential. The Chiefs would be wise to take a bite of the linebacker apple while the pickings are good.

To keep close tabs on the 2026 NFL Draft and the top prospects for the Kansas City Chiefs, make sure to bookmark our Arrowhead Addict Big Board. Our custom big board is tailored toward the Chiefs’ needs and thresholds.

NFL Draft Profile: CJ Allen, Linebacker, Georgia

Age: 21 (on draft day)

Height: 6-1 (listed)

Weight: 235 LBS. (listed)

Tape Exposure: Alabama (2025), Texas (2025), Tennesse (2025)

Shades of: Quay Walker

CJ Allen's background

Allen attended Lamar County High School in Barnesville, Georgia, where he was a highly successful multi-sport athlete, including a state qualifier in the 100-meter dash and shot put. He was also a starter on the basketball team, averaging over seven points per game. Allen was ranked as a 4-star prospect by 247Sports. After several high-level offers, he committed to Georgia in 2022 and played as a true freshman on a talented Georgia defense.

Allen was the captain and signal-caller of the Bulldogs’ defense. He ended his three-year career with 205 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and 10 passes defended. Allen declared for the NFL Draft on January 5.

Taking stock of CJ Allen's strengths

College Resume

Allen was asked to do quite a bit in coverage at Georgia; most college linebackers aren’t asked to do nearly as much. Allen looks confident in zone and plays solid man coverage. Allen will turn 21 in March and was a trusted play-caller of a battle-tested defense under a defensive-minded coach.

Run Game Support

He triggers downhill with confidence, stacks blocks well, and rarely misses tackles. His athleticism helps him recover against ball carriers, and he rarely panics in space.

Technique

He always plays with sound fundamentals and a low pad level and never panics in space. He’s a weapon as a blitzer and does a nice job disguising his blitzes. He shows fairly fluid hips in coverage and solid speed to carry receivers out of the slot.

Breaking down CJ Allen's weaknesses

Trigger downhill

He doesn’t bring the thump you’d like to see in the run game over the middle of the field. He can, at times, be hesitant to bring power in the run game.

Eye Discipline

He can get in trouble with play action at times or bite on motion. He stands a little too flat-footed, which makes him susceptible to blockers as well.

Role

While he was asked to do quite a bit in coverage and displays quality instincts, he may not be able to stay in that role at the next level. The athleticism isn’t quite good enough for him to consistently recover in space, and the run defense isn’t strong enough to make you want him as a traditional SAM.

Is CJ Allen a fit for the Chiefs?

Honestly, there’s quite a bit of Nick Bolton in CJ Allen. He’s a better athlete and does more in coverage than Bolton did coming out of Missouri, but the end result could look very similar. That’s sort of the path the Chiefs took in replacing Anthony Hitchens with Bolton. Allen next to Bolton in 2026 would probably make Steve Spagnuolo pretty happy; the problem is the cost. Allen is trending toward being a late first-round to early second-round pick, which is ultimately too high a cost for his skill set and the Chiefs’ other needs on the roster.

CJ Allen is a smooth mover with range, vertical pop, and strong tackling ability. He defeats blocks, mirrors backs, and blitzes well, but lacks pad pop, instincts, and anticipation. Hip tightness and occasional coverage lapses limit his overall impact.

Round Grade: Green Chip (Second-round grade)

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