CJ Allen — 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 3.0

Proposed trade: The Bills have a significant need at inside linebacker and still get to address it despite moving back eight spots. Allen is the second-best linebacker in my rankings; he's a physical player with good range and ability to spot drop into coverage. He added 3.5 sacks in 2025, too.

There were several top edge rushers to pick from, making for a great trade-back scenario if things fall this way next month. But inside linebacker is clearly the Cowboys' biggest need right now. Allen would step in immediately as the green-dot quarterback of the defense. Dallas had interest in free agents Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker but lost out on both. Here, the Cowboys could get a different former Georgia standout to lead things in the middle. Whether they stay put or trade back, addressing the defense has to be the target with multiple Day 1 and Day 2 picks. The offense is a playoff-caliber group. It's all about closing the gap from having arguably the NFL's worst defense. — Machota

It'd be wise for the Cowboys to double-dip on defense (Jermod McCoy at No. 12). They gave up 6.1 yards per play in 2025, 31st in the NFL and third worst for any team in any of the past five seasons. Allen can play all three downs, as he can drop in coverage, run down ball carriers and even blitz. He had 97 tackles last season for the Bulldogs, showcasing tremendous read-and-react skills.