USFL Player Evaluation of Georgia LB CJ Allen by Luke Staton
CJ Allen is a 6’1,” 230 pound linebacker from the University of Georgia. Hailing from Barnesville, Georgia, Allen was a two-way starter for the Lamar County High School football team, starting at both linebacker and running back and playing both basketball and track as well. Allen was one of the most recruited linebackers in the country, choosing the Bulldogs over other high-profile programs such as Tennessee, Florida, Miami, and LSU just to name a few. Allen was named the primary backup linebacker his freshman year, where he would contribute on special teams and even start 5 games after an injury to starter Jason Dumas-Johnson. In 2024, he would enter the season as the starting linebacker, notching 76 tackles, 4 PBUs, and an interception. In 2025, he would rack up 88 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and 4 PBUs. He would end his college career with 205 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 10 PBUs and an interception. For his efforts, Allen won 2 SEC championships and was recognized as a 2025 First-Team All-SEC and a consensus All-American.
Physically, Allen has the tools that one would look for in a linebacker. He has good height standing at 6’1,” and comes in weighing 230 pounds, which is ideal for a linebacker heading into the league as he does not have to put on more weight. His frame appears to be able to support a few more pounds if needed as well. There should be no worries of him getting thrown around in run defense as well. He has average speed for his position, and a below average acceleration, so it takes him a few steps to get to his top speed. However, he has good play strength, as he was able to play through tight ends against the run and even give linemen a hard time when blitzing.
Allen has a pretty average mental ability. His gap integrity is below average, allowing running backs to find cutback lanes in run defense. He has an average processing ability; he either plays with instincts well or he hesitates on his assignments. He has an average play speed as well. Allen also has a good competitive toughness, playing though big hits and through blockers with no problems. In blitzing, he has the speed and ferociousness to power through blockers, but often gets stunted due to a lack of a plan as well. Allen has good tackling, rarely letting players go when he gets a hold of them. However, his hesitations lead to him taking poor angles against ball carriers, and his speed lets this slip by. His run defense outside the box could be cause for concern at the next level. His pass coverage is below average and is a cause for concern at the next level, he was looked off repeatedly by opposing QBs for big gains across the middle. In man coverage, Allen’s speed left him struggling against tight ends, a problem that raises more concerns as faster and more dynamic tight ends have become the norm in the NFL.
Allen is at his best blitzing and in run defense. He has sound tackling that ensures that runners will not get out of his grasp, and his play strength, physicality, and motor make him a lethal blitzer.
Scheme Fit and Team Fit:
Allen would fit best in either a 3-4 or a 4-3 scheme. In either scheme, he is able to be a contributor on early downs and short distances against the run. In this regard, I think he would be best suited for the Jaguars, Packers, and Ravens. These teams all lost linebackers in free agency and would benefit from adding a player like Allen to their defense.
NFL Player Comp: Vince Williams
My comparison for CJ Allen is Vince Williams. Both have similar measureables, and both serve the same role on a team as a run-stopping linebacker for early downs or short distances before the team switches to nickel or dime.
Projection: Low End Starter
I project Allen as a low-end starter. I think his value in run defense and blitzing brings a lot to the table, but his struggles and limitations in pass coverage will hold him back in the next level.
Grade and Round Projection: 3.57, 4th Round Pick
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