Look for CJ Allen to be coming off the board in the latter part of the first round. With all but two teams' draft picks decided, all signs point to Allen likely going somewhere in the 20s to a contending team. The All-American linebacker out of Georgia can provide both tremendous on-field leadership and production to any team in need of it. He may be the perfect piece for this AFC contending team.
In Daniel Jeremiah's 2026 NFL mock draft 1.0, he has Allen going No. 26 overall to the Buffalo Bills. Jeremiah cites that Buffalo could be in need of a linebacker with veterans Matt Milano and Shaq Thompson to test free agency. With Buffalo having only been 28th against this run this past season, Allen's skills on the field fit Buffalo like a hand in glove. Of course, Buffalo is still without a head coach.
Whoever owner Terry Pegula hires to replace Sean McDermott in Orchard Park will have a strong factor in who the Bills take at No. 26. In terms of fit and need, Allen does fit the bill. However, we may have to accept the fact that the Super Bowl window has closed on this franchise. It will be up to face of the franchise Josh Allen to decide if he is the next Dan Marino or John Elway in his playing career.
For now, it is hard to justify Buffalo passing on CJ Allen should he still be available at No. 26 overall.
CJ Allen can be the missing piece to get Buffalo Bills to the Super Bowl
It was highly controversial when it happened, but the Bills needed to move on from McDermott when it did. Although he was the franchise's best head coach since Marv Levy, Buffalo was simply too talented and had too many bites at the apple to not win the AFC. This was such a down year for the conference. The fact AFC East rival New England is going to Super Bowl 60 should not land well at all.
For as great as Georgia has been when it comes to getting its former players to the Super Bowl, Allen offers more solutions than Buffalo may be able to handle. Not only does Allen provide leadership and production, he also improves Buffalo in other areas where the Bills are deficient. While the franchise has been carried by the offense whenever it has been good, it really needs a strong defensive leader.
While Georgia's season ended in the same round as Buffalo's, it was not for a lack of heart on Allen's behalf. He was arguably the best player on a team that was largely green and unproven. Georgia may have come up short of expectations this past season, but this was not one of Kirby Smart's most talented teams to date. Buffalo has had talent, but cannot cut through. Allen is an agent of change.
The most important thing Buffalo must do right now is hire the right head coach to lead them forward.