One of the biggest concerns for the Indianapolis Colts heading into the 2026 NFL season was the linebacker group.
The team traded away Zaire Franklin and Germaine Pratt (one of the team’s leading tacklers), who remains a free agent after signing a one-year deal with the team.
Needing help in the middle of the field, the Colts used their first selection of the 2026 draft to address the problem by drafting Georgia linebacker CJ Allen.
Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo went on the latest episode of The Colts Show and shared his thoughts on the linebacker.
Colts Defensive Coordinator on CJ Allen
GettyLou Anarumo is entering his second season with the Colts
The Indianapolis Colts didn’t make their first selection of the draft until Day 2 with the 53rd overall pick, but were able to snag first-round talent in CJ Allen.
On The Colts Show, defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo was asked to describe the linebacker with one word. “Intensity,” he said.
Allen received an 81.8 overall grade from Pro Football Focus for his performance in the 2025 season, placing him in the top 60 linebackers in the country and earned an All-American nod.
The former Bulldog recorded 88 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 4 pass deflections in his final season in the NCAA.
PFF ranked Allen as the 18th-best prospect in the 2026 draft class, calling him “a physical, reliable middle linebacker with strong run-defense ability.”
The linebacker played 41 games during his three-year collegiate career, recording 205 tackles (13.5 for loss), 4.5 sacks and 10 pass deflections.
A reporter asked Allen what he does best after getting selected by the Colts on Day 2. Here’s what the linebacker said:
“I run and hit people the best. That’s the best thing I do. I think my position… as an inside linebacker, being able to run, hit and get the ball.”
Anarumo Talks CJ Allen Being the Defensive Playcaller
GettyCJ Allen was taken on Day 2 by the Indianapolis Colts
With Zaire Franklin no longer going to where the green dot, as he is now a member of the Green Bay Packers, the Indianapolis Colts will need a new player to wear the dot.
Lou Anarumo was asked about the possibilities of having a rookie be the defensive signal caller, not shutting down the thought.
“We’ll see how it goes. It certainly does add more to his plate [his rookie season],” Anarumo said. “I think, especially with a young guy, less is more. We would take that approach if we go that route. We’ll see.”
“We’re going to have a core of the group that is back for a second year… They’re all going to have their hand in it. Every level of the defense has to communicate, so it’s not just up to CJ [Allen]. It’ll be all of them together. A collective group.”
It is most common for linebackers to wear the green dot in the league, but Anarumo didn’t shut down the possibility of a different position player being the signal caller.
“I had Vonn Bell, was my green dot in Cincinnati for a year as a safety. So, that part of it, I’m not worried about, you know? We’ll figure that part out. If CJ can do it, great,” Anarumo said, via Colts Wire. “If we feel like it’s hampering him a little bit, then we’ll give it to somebody else.”
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