CJ Allen — 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

Lavonte David's decline this season was stark. Although Allen doesn't have David's hallmark agility and range, he's an impactful downhill linebacker who can clean up in the run game and be a force player on first and second downs.

Allen is a consistent problem for offensive linemen trying to block him because of his combination of speed, quickness and power. He has a nose for the ball, rarely takes false steps, and is a reliable, physical tackler who limits yards after contact all over the field. He can more than hold his own in coverage vs. TEs and slot receivers, and he brings juice as a blitzer, too.

While Ohio State's Sonny Styles gets a lot of the praise as the top linebacker in this class, whichever team drafts Allen will also be very happy. He was one of the more reliable run defenders in the country in 2025, finishing with an 88.6 PFF run-defense grade and just a 7.8% missed tackle percentage. Although his PFF coverage grade was low (55.6), he showed flashes and ability to bet on with good movement and anticipation skills. He could be the next true centerpiece player for the Bills' defense.

An outstanding run fitter capable of playing all three downs, Allen is a future NFL green-dot player (the defender who wears the helmet communication system), perhaps even as a rookie. His size (6-1, 235) is a touch below ideal, but his explosion and nose for the ball more than make up for it.

If general manager Brandon Beane still believes enough in the talent within the WR room to look elsewhere here, he could opt for an instinctive linebacker to solidify the middle of the Bills' defense.

Linebacker could be a need for Buffalo with Matt Milano and Shaq Thompson ticketed for free agency. Allen can run and hit, but he also has the intangibles you want at the position. The Bills need to improve a defense that ranked 28th against the run.