Two Georgia Defenders Skip NFL Combine Testing

CJ Allen and Christen Miller opted out of drills and athletic testing at the 2026 NFL Combine.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Two standout defensive players from the University of Georgia, linebacker CJ Allen and defensive tackle Christen Miller, chose not to participate in on-field drills or athletic testing at the 2026 NFL Combine. Both players are expected to be early-round draft picks in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Why it matters

It is common for top prospects to skip certain combine activities if they feel it won't significantly improve their draft stock. Injuries or wanting to save their best performances for their school's pro day are also common reasons players opt out of combine testing.

The details

Allen and Miller both spoke to the media at the combine, expressing gratitude for their time at Georgia and the preparation they received from head coach Kirby Smart. While the exact reasons for their decisions are unclear, both players are projected to be selected within the first three rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft.

  • The 2026 NFL Combine took place in late February 2026.

The players

CJ Allen

A linebacker from the University of Georgia who opted out of on-field drills and athletic testing at the 2026 NFL Combine.

Christen Miller

A defensive tackle from the University of Georgia who opted out of on-field drills and athletic testing at the 2026 NFL Combine.

Kirby Smart

The head football coach at the University of Georgia, who helped prepare Allen and Miller for the NFL.

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What they’re saying

“Georgia has prepared me great, man, many ways... on and off the field. So man, shout out to Georgia for sure.”

— CJ Allen, Linebacker (UGA Wire)

“Man, coach (Kirby) Smart he prepared me tremendously for this moment. Just kind of like prepared me not as a football player, but as a man. I knew when I made a decision to go to Georgia it was going to be a lifetime decision and I was going to leave a man.”

— Christen Miller, Defensive Tackle (UGA Wire)

What’s next

Both Allen and Miller are expected to participate in Georgia's pro day in the coming weeks, where they will have the opportunity to showcase their skills for NFL scouts.

The takeaway

The decision by Allen and Miller to skip certain drills at the NFL Combine highlights the strategic approach top prospects often take when preparing for the draft. By preserving their health and saving their best performances for their school's pro day, these players are positioning themselves for success in the upcoming NFL Draft.