C.J. Allen And The Bucs
February 28th, 2026
Drafting Georgia LB C.J. Allen would make Joe smile.
Joe cannot put a finger on it, but there are some traits for linebackers that just jump off a screen.
Maybe it’s the form-fitting tackling. Maybe it is the heat-seeking-missile-like ability to see the ballcarrier; put your laser dot on him and run and hit.
The above is how Joe describes Georgia inside linebacker C.J. Allen. Watching tape of this guy reminds Joe of the old Penn State linebackers who played perfect fundamental football. Always had their shoulders square to the line. Rarely out of position. Quick to fill a hole.
That’s Allen’s game. His video should be included on instructional videos on how to tackle. And man, that is such a skill lacking in today’s game.
One guy who tackles well, still, despite being an old man on a football field is Lavonte David. He’s lost his elite speed but he knows what to do when he meets a ballcarrier.
Allen is expected to be drafted late in the first round. The Bucs draft at No. 15, which may be reachy for Allen.
But Joe can dream and Joe asked Allen this week at the combine at the Indiana Convention Center what it would mean to him if he could play a year (or two?) next to David.
David is still undecided about playing this fall, but darn if he hasn’t worked out at One Buc Palace since the end of the season, so Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht told WDAE-AM 620/FM 95.3 this week.
“It would definitely mean a lot,” Allen said. “Lavonte David is the blueprint for what he means to that organization. It would mean a lot learning from him.”
Joe loved that answer. Allen didn’t speak about playing for David; he said, “learning from” David. It seems Allen’s head is screwed on right.
Whether David plays or not, Joe would not collapse in outrage if the Bucs selected Allen in the first round. How can you go wrong with a Kirby Smart linebacker?
C.J. Allen | LB | UGA
6’1 , 235 lbs2025 Stats:
• 88 Total Tackles | 47 Solo
• 3.5 Sacks | 2 FF | 8 TFLs
• 39 Defensive Stops
• 257 cov. snaps | 288 allowed receiving | 93.9 allowed passer rate+ Plus athlete , Down here ILB that shows flashes of elite ability of reading,… pic.twitter.com/68HkCoPa1o
— 4MR Fetti 🫡💙🖤 (@trappanthers) February 9, 2026
February 28th, 2026 at 11:07 am
If you find a great player who feels an important need, and if Sonny Styles not available it is not “a reach” to take CJ Allen at 15. The experts were all wrong about DROY 2025 Carson Schwensinger who was drafted early second round last year. The experts are often wrong but never in doubt.
February 28th, 2026 at 11:19 am
who fills…………….not “feels”
February 28th, 2026 at 11:20 am
Not at #15. Plays a little stiff to justify a premium pick. Could be a trade back candidate.
February 28th, 2026 at 12:06 pm
I like him as a trade down guy he is really a smart backer
February 28th, 2026 at 12:08 pm
Guys who know they’re athletic freaks want to show it off, anytime anywhere. You don’t wait for pro days so you can have a little home cooking. And I’m not talking just a stupid 40. Anyone that is a real sprinter and that has run track knows the 40 can be fugazzi. You can shave a tenth to two tenths just by perfecting the start. Lots of guys have run low 4.4 to high 4.3’s but they aren’t REALLY a 4.3 guy. Sean Tucker and Devin culp are perfect examples. Jeremiah love is running this weekend like a real man and his 40 time will likely be 4.38 -4.42ish, same as culp and Tucker, but the difference is stark for all you non runners out there – talking to YOU warrenbrookslynch. 2 different. Out of those 3 one is legitimate sprinter. As it pertains to CJ Allen, I know at the end of the day it’s all about film and how you play on Sunday but not working out just suggests that he knows he’ll be overshadowed by those real athletic freaks from Ohio state l. I personally don’t like it. It’s shying away. Sonny styles, Reese, Love know they are absolute freaks and they’re eager to show it off and it’s refreshing compared to people who want to COP OUT by sitting out
February 28th, 2026 at 12:10 pm
Not at 15.
February 28th, 2026 at 12:12 pm
Hill jr or Jrod way better value in round 2.
February 28th, 2026 at 12:19 pm
A year, or two next to David? Please, David needs to be replaced too. Take the 8 mill David would want, add to it, and get an upgrade. Bringing David back will not improve this defense. He was part of the problem last year, stop pretending he wasn’t Joe.
February 28th, 2026 at 12:35 pm
Would love a trade back, we have too many holes to fill.
Huge LVD fan but father time is undefeated and I don’t want to see his play slip any further. If he want’s to be the 3rd ILB, cool, but he can’t be counted on to be a starter for the entire season.
February 28th, 2026 at 12:45 pm
Trade back, miss out, then who? I’m not a draft guy, fill me in.
February 28th, 2026 at 12:51 pm
We should use the #15 to replace Hall.
I just saw a DT from Clemson run a 4.8 at 315 pounds.
Demonte Capehorn.
Imagine a beast at DE?
Hall just took up space.
He never actually did anything
February 28th, 2026 at 12:52 pm
Tucker is significantly faster than Love.
Simple.
If you’re drafting Love for speed, you’re better off with Tucker since he doesn’t cost a pick. And like I’ve said before, both will reward an O-line for perfect blocking by taking it to the house. Nobody is chasing them down from behind.
February 28th, 2026 at 1:02 pm
Bowzo has his eye on safety Haley VanBore nof Shenandoah college. First female non kicker to play.Perfect for his bend and break defense.
February 28th, 2026 at 1:20 pm
HC Grover my thoughts too. Draft a safety. Trade Winfield for more picks.
You really are an A1 contributor to this site haha
February 28th, 2026 at 1:36 pm
Only if they trade down.
I’d rather get the best DT available or an edge.
Too mamy games where CJ was average.
Way rather trade down and get Rodriguez or trade up in the 2ns and get him.
February 28th, 2026 at 1:58 pm
2nd rd
February 28th, 2026 at 2:05 pm
“Sean Tucker is significantly faster than love.” The most retarded statement I’ve ever seen. So confidently wrong, by a guy that likely never sprinted a day in his life. Further – self report 4.3 times don’t count. Self reported. Lmao absolute joke. Love is a state champion 100 meter runner you clown. A man’s race. And ran a real 4.36 at the combine at 215 pounds like a man. And the difference in football speed on tape is not even comparable. Holy hell, people…I swear
February 28th, 2026 at 2:19 pm
Stpetematt. Tucker is fast. You are right about that. Gofortheface30 is also right. Love is a whole different level of fast. I like Tucker and would like to see him play more. But Love simply is on a different level. Freak level. That being said, these next few years have to be defense. It would be hard to pass on a player like Love, but he’s not going to be available to us anyhow. So let’s figure out how we go about not letting JRod get away from us.
February 28th, 2026 at 2:40 pm
Still watching day 3 of the combine….
Gotta say, I’ve never seen the overall speed of any draft class like this in the past..
This is crazy for a variety of positions out there……
Notes:
– Jeremiah Love looks like a beast!!
– His backup from ND looks smooth as hell as well…
– Keep an eye on RB, Mike Washington Jr!!! Ran 4.33 !!! Very emotional on the sidelines….also had 39” vertical & 10’8” broad jump…very explosive as well..
Onto the QB’s!!!
Saw the Arkansas QB Green just jump 43 1/2”!! Freaken insane!!