CJ Allen Scouting Report

CJ Allen is a high-IQ alpha linebacker who plays downhill and delivers physical blows to ball carriers, setting a physical tone defensively.

Draft Grade: Round 1 - Pro Bowl Caliber

Strengths:

Football IQ/Instincts: Allen does a great job of reading his run keys and playing downhill to make a tackle near the line of scrimmage or in the backfield.

Violent Tackler: Allen plays with physicality, and when he can square up the ball carrier, he delivers punishing blows that set the tone defensively.

Speed/Acceleration: Allen has great sideline-to-sideline acceleration, which allows him to make tackles all over the field.

High Motor/Effort: Allen plays through the whistle of the play and will chase down ball carriers backside to make a tackle. He leads by example with his effort on the field.

Concerns:

Man-to-Man Coverage: Allen will struggle on occasion to stay in phase with athletic tight ends or backs out of the backfield.  

Overpursues Plays: Allen is a quick processor who plays downhill, but on occasion, he will overpursue the running back. That gives the runner a cut-back lane, and Allen will miss the opportunity to make the tackle