C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia
A trade with the Houston Texans sent the Bills back to 28 from their original selection point of 26, while also gaining pick 141 (Round 5) in the process.
The Bills need to address the elephant in the room, which is a lack of talent along the defensive front seven. Some of that is due to attrition, namely linebacker Matt Milano who’s return is anything but guaranteed.
With a huge run on the wide receiver position, the smart play was for Buffalo to add a heck of a ball player who should make an immediate impact — that being linebacker C.J. Allen.
A physical, three-down ‘backer with coveted intangible traits, Allen has a chance to become a real force out of the gate wearing the green dot with the Bills. Buffalo is undergoing a huge overhaul on defense under first-time defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. While a hybrid system is expected for 2026, the goal remains a shift to a 3-4 base system.
Allen will provide the Bills with set-it-and-forget-it reliability at MIKE. He’s one of the draft’s most technically proficient linebackers, and someone dripping with football instincts.
