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Georgia LB projected as first-round pick in Joel Klatt mock draft
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- Georgia LB projected as first-round pick in Joel Klatt mock draft
Fox Sports has released a 2026 NFL mock draft from college football expert analyst Joel Klatt .
Georgia has just one player listed as a first-round selection in Klatt's initial mock draft. Star linebacker CJ Allen is currently projected to be drafted 30th overall by the Denver Broncos . Klatt does not think that Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch or offensive lineman Monroe Freeling will be first-round picks even though both players are in the conversation.
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Allen was elite during the entire 2025 campaign and was named as a first-team All-SEC pick. The talented linebacker started 29 games throughout his time in Athens, as Allen played a pivotal role on the Dawgs' defense week after week.
Allen recorded 88 total tackles, 3 1/2 sacks, and two forced fumbles on the Bulldogs' defense last season. The linebacker could quickly thrive in the NFL should he be selected by Denver, as Allen would be widely regarded as an excellent fit on an elite Broncos' defense, which is among the best in the NFL. The playmaker spent a total of three seasons at Georgia, and will be looking to improve his draft stock at the 2026 NFL combine.
Allen was named as a finalist for the Butkus Award following his elite campaign in 2025 and finds himself listed as the No. 1 overall linebacker available on draft night as a result. The NFL has devalued off-ball linebackers a bit, but Allen should start as a rookie and is ready to make an instant impact.
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This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Georgia LB lands with AFC West team in NFL mock draft
