NY Jets draft film review: CJ Allen, the on-field play-caller

Each NFL draft is filled with fun facts about the hundreds of hopefuls who carry big dreams to the next level.

Many of those stories sound familiar. But here’s one you may not have heard before.

Georgia linebacker CJ Allen called the Bulldogs’ defensive plays in 2025.

Defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann let Allen run the defense on the field for most of the game, except when Schumann had a specific situational call. But when it came to calls, checks, and everything else, Allen ran the show.

There’s “leadership,” and then there’s that.

With all of those responsibilities on his plate, Allen still racked up 88 total tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and four pass deflections—and he did all of it as a 20-year-old true junior.

The New York Jets do not have a desperate need at linebacker. Jamien Sherwood is entering the second year of a three-year, $45 million extension after displaying a high ceiling in 2024. Free agent pickup Demario Davis was signed to a two-year, $20 million deal after yet another excellent season in 2025.

But when looking to 2027 and beyond, the future is murky. Sherwood is coming off a rough 2025 season, while Davis is 37 years old. The position remains a long-term need.

Could Allen’s incredible intangibles entice the Jets to take him in the first round?

On the latest episode of Blewett’s Blitz, we break down the All-22 film of Allen’s 2025 games against Tennessee, Auburn, Florida, Alabama, and Ole Miss, seeking to identify Allen’s strengths, weaknesses, NFL outlook, and potential fit for the Jets as a first-round target.

Below is the full CJ Allen scouting report (strengths and weaknesses) and film review.