CJ Allen
Getty
Pro Football Focus's Daire Carragher projected the Detroit Lions to land linebacker CJ Allen after a trade back in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
In a new NFL mock draft released this week, Pro Football Focus’s Daire Carragher projected the Detroit Lions to move down in the first round. Yet, Carragher still had the Lions grabbing one of the top prospects on the draft board.
After a move down six spots, the Lions picked Georgia linebacker CJ Allen in Carragher’s latest 2026 NFL mock Draft.
“The Lions trade down six spots and draft a player they could have reasonably selected had they stayed put. Linebacker may not be the biggest need for Detroit, but this organization places a premium on high-character players who bring energy and enthusiasm,” wrote Carragher.
“Allen wore the green dot on Kirby Smart’s defense, and coaches rave about his leadership ability. He has graded as an outstanding run defender over the past two seasons, earning PFF run-defense grades above 88.0 in each year.”
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein raved about Allen’s tenacity and leadership abilities.
“‘Green dot’ linebacker and team captain more capable of rowing the boat than making big splashes,” wrote Zierlein. “Allen plays with toughness and control, sorting through run fits with patience and leverage in pursuit.
“Allen is a dependable starting Mike ‘backer who raises the floor of a defense.”
The Bulldogs linebacker posted 88 combined tackles, including eight tackles for loss during 2025. He also had four pass defenses, 3.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
Behind those statistics, Allen made the All-American team.
Lions Predicted to Draft Georgia LB CJ Allen
CJ Allen
GettyPro Football Focus’s Daire Carragher projected the Detroit Lions to land linebacker CJ Allen after a trade back in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Given Detroit’s other needs and the team’s desire to get back into the playoffs next season, Allen doesn’t appear to be the best first-round choice for the Lions.
But Carragher is counting on the human element outweighing need for Detroit.
Allen brings intangibles as a leader and high-character prospect. He is also a potential value selection at where the Lions picked at No. 23 after the trade back in Carragher’s mock draft.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. ranked Allen as the No. 23 overall prospect on his 2026 NFL Draft big board.
“Allen is a three-down linebacker at the next level because his read-and-react skills are excellent and he can make plays in all three aspects of the defense,” wrote Kiper. “He has the physicality to take on blocks in the run game and the speed to chase down ball carriers once he disengages.
“He has the burst to blitz and get to the QB, too. And he can drop and defend in coverage, with nine pass breakups and an interception over the past two campaigns.”
Could Lions Forgo Edge Rusher, Offensive Tackle to Select Allen?
CJ Allen
GettyPro Football Focus’s Daire Carragher had the Detroit Lions select Georgia linebacker CJ Allen at No. 23 overall in the first round of his 2026 NFL mock draft.
Allen could actually fill a potential need for the Lions this fall. While Detroit signed free agent linebacker Damone Clark, the team lost longtime veteran Alex Anzalone to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In the middle of the Lions defense, Allen could pair with inside linebacker and former first-rounder Jack Campbell. The two could create a formidable duo to lead the Detroit defense for years to come.
Still, it’s hard to envision the Lions passing on a chance to upgrade edge rusher or offensive tackle.
The Lions have used free agency to address edge rusher the past couple offseasons. They did that again this March with the addition of D.J. Wonnum.
But the Lions could still score a major upgrade along the edge in the draft and move Wonnum into more of a rotational role.
On offense, the Lions have to replace two offensive linemen, including longtime left tackle Taylor Decker.
If the value at those positions doesn’t exist for the Lions, Allen could be in play. But it appears to be a much safer bet that the Lions address one of their biggest needs than add the Georgia linebacker.