Ever since the Georgia Bulldogs hired Kirby Smart 10 years ago, the program has been an NFL Draft machine. Every year the Bulldogs have produced major NFL talent that has gone on to be stars in the NFL.
In a recent mock draft by Tim Bielik of Cleveland.com, it looks like the Los Angeles Chargers have a chance at taking star linebacker CJ Allen in the late first round of 2026's NFL Draft. Bielik also stated that Allen would fit due to his "athletic ability and how great his football IQ is."
CJ Allen at Georgia
Ever since he stepped onto the field with meaningful snaps as a true freshman, Allen was predicted by many to be the next great linebacker at Georgia. Allen possesses a similar style of play like Roquan Smith did at UGA. The former Butkus Award Winner was quick for his size and could make tackles across the field with ease. This season, Allen has been just that.
Allen leads the team in tackles so far this season, looking to do so for the second straight year for the Bulldogs. Allen has already been named as a semifinalist for the 2025 Butkus Award himself.
Why Allen with Chargers makes sense
After spending a lot of their draft picks of recent on offense, the Chargers could use some help with their defense, specifically at linebacker. The Chargers run a 3-3-5 defense, which is what the Bulldogs run as well. Allen would plug into the Chargers' defense perfectly and could start on day one.
Also, the current Chargers' linebacker coach is NaVorro Bowman. Bowman was a former All-Pro linebacker who played extremely similar to Allen. Bowman could be the perfect coach for Allen to get him to an All-Pro level.
Ladd McConkey's success with Chargers
Ladd McConkey was the Chargers' selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. McConkey, similar to Allen, was a staple of the Georgia football team for several years. Now at the Chargers, he has helped propel the Chargers' offense to the next level.
So far in his young career, McConkey has just under 2,000 total receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. McConkey also set an NFL record for most receiving yards in a playoff game by a rookie with 197 against the Texans.
McConkey has been a perfect fit for the Chargers, and Allen could do just as well if that’s where he ends up.