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Indianapolis Colts linebacker CJ Allen

The Indianapolis Colts made their first selection of the 2026 NFL Draft in the second round with the 53rd overall pick (after trading back from the 47th spot) and took Georgia linebacker CJ Allen.

The linebacker group was a key issue for the Colts, as Zaire Franklin and Germaine Pratt, two of the team’s leading tacklers in the 2025 season, are no longer on the roster. Allen was ranked the 18th-best prospect in this year’s draft class by Pro Football Focus and will be an immediate starter for Indianapolis.

With CJ Allen expected to get a big role in his rookie season, one analyst makes a bold prediction for the linebacker.

ESPN Analyst Makes Bold Prediction for CJ Allen

GettyNew Indianapolis Colts linebacker CJ Allen

The Colts addressed their linebacker need with CJ Allen, who will be a Day 1 starter for the Shane Steichen-led team. With the player set for a big role, one NFL analyst makes a bold prediction for the linebacker.

ESPN analyst Ben Solak names Allen as one of the top frontrunners for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

“Here’s the player who could really win it. Allen is the unquestioned LB1 in Indianapolis, was a prolific tackler at Georgia and was drafted by the same GM (Chris Ballard) who snagged 2018 Defensive Rookie of the Year winner Shaq Leonard — a linebacker in Round 2,” Solak wrote.

“[Defensive] coordinator Lou Anarumo’s defense was great for Logan Wilson (four straight seasons of 100-plus tackles), and Allen has a strong football IQ to succeed within it. Great fit, great opportunity.”

The linebacker registered 88 combined tackles, 3.5 sacks, 4 pass deflections, and 2 forced fumbles in his final year at Georgia, earning an All-American nod. Allen received an 81.8 overall grade from PFF, inside the top 60 linebackers in the nation.

Solak has CJ Allen as the sixth-highest chance to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year award from this year’s draft class, despite placing him in the ‘longer shot’ section.

Front Office/Coaching Staff on CJ Allen

GettyShane Steichen will enter his fourth season with the Colts

The Indianapolis Colts were able to draft a first-round pick in the latter half of the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. To get immediate help in the linebacker room was a positive gain for the Colts, with the organization high on the defender.

“We’ve liked CJ through the whole [draft] process,” Colts general manager Chris Ballard said after Day 2 of the draft, via the Colts. “He stands for all the right stuff. He’s an athletic, fast MIKE. He’ll be a green-dot guy for us from the get-go… He’s a really special dude now. Loves to play, serious about football.”

Colts head coach Shane Steichen was high on Allen as well, naming his newest defender as a long-term piece.

“Everything I’ve heard about him through the vetting process – just the toughness, the edge he plays with, the leadership, it’s impressive,” Steichen said, via the Colts. “I can’t wait to get him in the building. I think he’s going to be a great leader for this football team not only next year, but in the future as well.”

With a starter role in his rookie season, CJ Allen has a good probability of becoming the Defensive Rookie of the Year.