The Atlanta Falcons' season has been disappointing up to this point, to say the least. Injuries have plagued the team from the beginning, and the struggles only continued from there. With nine losses already on the season, fans have started to look ahead to the 2026 NFL draft.
Although many fans want some new offensive weapons, it might be beneficial for general manager Terry Fontenot to focus on defense in the draft. There will be plenty of gifted defenders available throughout the three-day event, including a certain Georgia Bulldog: linebacker CJ Allen.
CJ Allen as a Falcon in 2026 Makes Too Much Sense
If an organization wants a clone of Roquan Smith or Nakobe Dean, look no further than Allen, who has flown all over the field in 2025 for the Bulldogs. Like Smith, Dean, and current Falcons rookie Jalon Walker, Allen is a Butkus Award finalist, solidifying him as a leader on the Bulldogs defense.
Allen currently has 85 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. To further the argument that Allen flies all over the field, he has four pass deflections on the year. He also had 13 pressures on 78 pass-rushing downs, per Pro Football Focus, giving him 46 since making his UGA debut in 2023.
Despite already having Walker and Jalon Pearce, Allen is exactly what this defense needs.
Allen is the centerpiece this defense needs. With so many injuries to inside linebackers this season, Atlanta has needed a solid linebacker with a non-stop motor who can make plays all across the gridiron.
Allen's ability to play in zone coverages could allow Walker and Pearce to reach their full potential in rushing the quarterback. Pearce and Walker both already have 13.5 sacks combined on the season. With Allen's help, they could have an even more explosive year in 2026.
Most mock drafts list him as a first-round talent, making it interesting to see if the Falcons — whose first-rounder belongs to the L.A. Rams — will move up to trade him. It'll cost a bit to do so, but it's well worth it if Allen lives up to his potential.
The Falcons must focus on defense this offseason, despite any offensive concerns. This offense is young and still needs time to get healthy and develop with the leadership of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Give the offense a fair shot first and get the defense right.
Head coach Raheem Morris is a defense guy. The Falcons' defense has plenty of talent and playmakers, but they are still without that leader to command them at the line of scrimmage. Allen is that leader. He has led Georgia to back-to-back SEC Championships. That caliber of play and leadership is exactly what Atlanta needs.