CBS Sports Analyst Highlights Major NFL Draft Prospect Flying Under the Radar

Georgia Bulldogs linebacker CJ Allen is a potential first-round pick, but not getting enough attention, says analyst.

Feb. 18, 2026 at 8:47pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

According to CBS Sports analyst Ryan Wilson, Georgia Bulldogs linebacker CJ Allen is a potential first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft who is not getting enough attention heading into the NFL Combine. Wilson praised Allen's ability to play the run like "old-school Ray Lewis" and move in space like top modern linebackers, projecting him to be selected 20th overall by the Dallas Cowboys.

Why it matters

Allen was a standout player for the Georgia Bulldogs, starting as a true freshman and emerging as a leader of their defense. Despite his impressive college career and being mentioned in some early mock drafts as a first-round pick, he has not received the same level of hype as some other top prospects, making him an intriguing sleeper pick for teams looking to add an impactful linebacker in the draft.

The details

During his 2025 season, Allen finished with a career-high 88 total tackles and 3.5 sacks, despite battling injuries throughout the year. His ability to lead Georgia's defense was a major factor in the team's success. Allen will have the chance to showcase his skills at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis later this month, ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft taking place on April 23rd in Pittsburgh.

  • The 2026 NFL Combine is just over a week away.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place on Thursday, April 23rd in Pittsburgh.

The players

CJ Allen

A linebacker for the Georgia Bulldogs who is considered a potential first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Ryan Wilson

A CBS Sports analyst who highlighted Allen as a prospect not getting enough attention heading into the NFL Combine.

Kirby Smart

The head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, under whom Allen emerged as a standout player.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We are not talking enough about CJ Allen. CJ Allen was a really good player in 2024, and was even better in 2025 in my mind. I think he has first round traits... He can play the run like he's old-school Ray Lewis, and he moves in space like every athletic off-ball linebacker does these days”

— Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports Analyst (SI.com)

What’s next

Allen, along with other Georgia Bulldog prospects, will showcase their skills later this month during the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The takeaway

CJ Allen's impressive college career and potential as a first-round NFL Draft pick have not received the same level of attention as some other top prospects, making him an intriguing sleeper pick for teams in need of a talented and versatile linebacker.