Among the biggest changes for the Buffalo Bills this offseason will be the look of the defense, switching to a new system under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. It features four linebackers on the field at times, so Buffalo might be in the market for a player like Georgia’s CJ Allen in the draft.
Allen was a first-team all-American for the Bulldogs last season. He led the team with 88 tackles to go with 8 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.
He can be a strong run defender, an area the Bills certainly want to improve. He had just three missed tackles last season according to Pro Football Focus.
“Just communication. Obviously, film study goes into that instinct type of play,” Allen said. “Ultimately, just making it happen because you can see it on film, but you’ve still got to go into the game and make it happen, for sure.”
Allen’s size won’t wow you at just under 6’1″ and 230 pounds, but he’s known to play with violence and discipline, and can also be solid in pass coverage. He was a team captain for Georgia — important leadership skills for a middle linebacker who helps set the defense.
“It basically just goes off how you handle yourself, how you come in, how you handle your business day-in, day-out,” Allen said. “Then I think the next step is just knowing your guys. Having that connection with your guys and building that. Knowing what gets your guys going. How to push them because I believe you’ve got to lead each guy differently.”
Allen is projected by many analysts to be a 2nd round draft pick. ESPN’s Field Yates predicted the Bills could trade down and select him early in round two.