The Buffalo Bills are staring down another offseason filled with tough questions and big decisions. After another early playoff exit, the franchise made a bold move: parting ways with longtime head coach Sean McDermott and promoting offensive coordinator Joe Brady to take the reins. But while the offense gets a new voice at the top, the more pressing challenge may lie on the other side of the ball.

With Jim Leonhard stepping in as the new defensive coordinator, the Bills are expected to shift to a 3-4 base defense – a notable change from their previous scheme. That transition brings with it a need for fresh personnel, especially in the middle of the defense. And that’s where Georgia linebacker CJ Allen enters the conversation.

CJ Allen: A Steady Force in the Middle

Allen is a junior linebacker out of Georgia who’s been steadily climbing draft boards – and for good reason. At 6’1”, 235 pounds, he brings a strong combination of athleticism, intelligence, and leadership to the field. He’s not the flashiest prospect in this year’s class, but he might be one of the most dependable.

Across three seasons with the Bulldogs, Allen racked up 205 tackles (117 solo), 4.5 sacks, an interception, 10 passes defended, and two forced fumbles. Those numbers tell the story of a player who’s always around the ball – and rarely out of position.

What stands out most about Allen isn’t just the production, but the way he gets it done. He’s a classic “green dot” type – the guy who wears the headset, makes the calls, and gets everyone lined up.

Coaches and teammates rave about his communication skills and football IQ. He diagnoses plays quickly and reacts with confidence, which allows him to play fast and aggressive without second-guessing.

Strengths That Translate on Day One

Allen’s sideline-to-sideline speed is a major asset. He can chase down ball carriers from the backside and close on quarterbacks who try to escape the pocket. In zone coverage, he’s shown steady improvement, reading the quarterback’s eyes and breaking on the ball with urgency.

Against the run, Allen holds his ground well. He doesn’t get bullied by pulling guards or lead blockers – instead, he stays square, maintains gap integrity, and finishes tackles with authority.

His technique is clean, and his missed tackle rate is impressively low. He’s not just hitting – he’s wrapping up and bringing guys down.

Perhaps most importantly for the Bills, Allen is a culture fit. He’s the type of player who leads by example, puts in the work, and plays with a veteran’s mindset. In a defense that’s undergoing a philosophical shift, having a steady presence like Allen in the middle could be invaluable.

Where He Needs to Grow

Now, Allen isn’t without his limitations. He’s not a high-impact playmaker in the mold of a Micah Parsons or Roquan Smith. He’s more steady than spectacular – and that’s both a strength and a knock, depending on what a team is looking for.

In man coverage, Allen can struggle to keep up with quicker, shiftier backs and tight ends. His hips are a bit stiff, which makes it tough for him to mirror receivers out of their breaks. He also tends to bite on play-action, which can leave soft spots in the middle of the field.

And while he’s solid against the run, he doesn’t always have the raw power to disengage from bigger blockers who get their hands on him early. That’s something he’ll need to work on at the next level.

NFL Comparison: Zaire Franklin

If you’re looking for a current NFL comp, Zaire Franklin of the Colts comes to mind. Like Allen, Franklin wasn’t a flashy prospect coming out of college, but he carved out a role with his intelligence, consistency, and tackling ability. Franklin has become a tackling machine in Indianapolis – not because he’s blowing up plays in the backfield every down, but because he’s always in the right place at the right time.

That’s the kind of trajectory Allen could follow. He may not be a Pro Bowl regular, but he’s the type of player who starts for a decade, logs 100+ tackles a season, and becomes the glue that holds a defense together.

How Allen Fits in Buffalo

For the Bills, Allen makes a lot of sense. With the move to a 3-4 defense, they need a true inside linebacker – someone who can lead, communicate, and clean up plays in the middle.

Allen checks all those boxes. His ability to play fast and smart could help smooth the transition to Leonhard’s scheme, and his leadership would be a welcome addition to a defense that’s looking for a new identity.

Picking at No. 26, the Bills may have options. They could look to address wide receiver or offensive line, depending on how the board falls. But if they decide to go defense – and specifically want a foundational piece in the middle – CJ Allen is a name to watch.

Draft Grade: Late First Round

Allen isn’t going to wow anyone with jaw-dropping highlights, but he’s the kind of player who makes your defense better from day one. His floor is high, his leadership is real, and his instincts are NFL-ready. That’s why he carries a late first-round grade – and why he could be a perfect fit for a Buffalo team in need of stability and smarts on defense.

If the Bills want a tone-setter in the middle of their new-look unit, Allen might just be their guy.