Steichen evaluates CJ Allen's play at Colts' linebacker position

Indianapolis Colts‘ rookie linebacker CJ Allen is presumably stepping into a very important role.

Not only is he expected to be a Day 1 starter in the middle of the Colts’ defense, but the early assumption is that he will wear the green dot as well.

The defender who wears the green dot is responsible for relaying the play-call to the rest of the defense, making sure everyone is positioned correctly pre-snap, and then has to call out any adjustments based on what the offense is doing.

This is a role that Allen filled at Georgia, but doing so at the NFL level can come with a learning curve.

A crucial element in all of this is being a strong communicator.

“Even though we’re not tackling, I think there is still a lot of communication that goes on with motions, pre-snap motion, making sure everyone’s one the same page, getting out of the right place,” Shane Steichen said of Allen after Tuesday’s minicamp practice. “So that communication at that spot is critical. and we’re getting a lot reps in that right now and that’ll continue into training camp. But been pleased with where he’s at right now.”

Allen ranked among the best in run defense over both the 2024 and 2025 seasons, according to PFF’s metrics. He’s been a very sound tackler. In coverage, he allowed 10.6 yards per catch in 2025, with three pass breakups.

Allen, 21, was named a first-team All-American following the 2025 season.

Linebacker quickly became a major question mark for the Colts this offseason, but Allen has the ability to provide needed stability at this position group.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Steichen highlights where Colts’ LB CJ Allen is excelling early on