CJ Allen selected by Colts in 2026 NFL Draft: Grade, analysis stats
· Yahoo Sports
INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts ticked off the most glaring need on their roster with their first pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, following a script that general manager Chris Ballard has used time and time again during his time as general manager.
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Indianapolis picked up an extra fourth-round pick by trading back from the No. 47 pick, then took Georgia middle linebacker CJ Allen with the No. 53 pick.
Ballard has spent months telegraphing his desire for more picks. The Indianapolis general manager said he wanted more picks at the NFL scouting combine, then said earlier this week that he believes the strength of the draft is in the third and fourth round.
With a handful of linebackers still available, Ballard saw an opportunity at No. 47. Only Ohio State’s Sonny Styles, Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez and Missouri’s Jeremiah Trotter were off the board at the time.
Minnesota took a fourth linebacker, Cincinnati’s Jake Golday, at No. 51.
When Indianapolis got on the clock, the Colts decided it was time to take Allen, a player who instantly projects as the replacement for Zaire Franklin at middle linebacker.
Joel A. Erickson and Nathan Brown cover the Colts all season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Colts Insider newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Colts take LB CJ Allen in second round of 2026 NFL Draft: Grade, analysis, stats