Former NFL player criticizes Georgia LB CJ Allen's pro day workout

Georgia Bulldogs linebacker CJ Allen has drawn a lot of reactions on social media for his pro day workout. Retired LSU nose tackle Breiden Fehoko commented, "Big dog in no form of disrespect, get ready to put your hand in the dirt," signaling that Fehoko believes that Allen is too slow to play linebacker and should play edge rusher.

Allen suffered a knee injury in Georgia's 35-10 win over the Texas Longhorns on Nov. 15, 2025, and a few believe he's still dealing with it. Allen didn't test at the 2026 NFL Combine to prepare for Georgia's pro day, but his draft stock decreased. Daniel Jeremiah didn't include Allen in his third mock draft, and Joel Klatt snubbed him in his second mock draft as well.

However, a lot of former Georgia Bulldogs players and media staff are coming to Allen's defense. Graham Coffey pointed out Allen's willingness to play 13 days after the knee injury, saying, "That makes him a [expletive} dog." Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. simply posted, "Cut the tape on before tweeting fam."

When Fehoko discussed how Georgia's defensive scheme didn't set up Allen well for the NFL (with the belief he's a true edge rusher vs. a linebacker), Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes rattled off a few successful linebackers in the NFL. "Roquan (Smith), Nakobe (Dean), Quay (Walker), JC (Jalen Carter), K3 (Kamari Lassiter), Tyson. Do I need to go on," Stokes posted.

Allen's draft stock will be heavily debated until April, especially when his Pro Day measurements come out. However, the 6-foot-1, 230-pound linebacker was a consensus All-American and first-team All-SEC linebacker in 2025, so the play on the field speaks for itself.

Social media reactions to linebacker C.J. Allen's Pro Day workout

The criticism

Big dog in no form of disrespect get ready to put your hand in the dirt. https://t.co/9useivO3FW— Breiden Fehoko (@BreidenFehoko) March 18, 2026

Graham Coffey's response

CJ Allen was a projected Round 1 guy all year and hurt his knee on Nov 15th. He could’ve shut it down to prep for the draft, but he played 13 days after knee surgery because he loves football and couldn’t imagine not finishing with his guys.

That makes him a fucking dog.

Allen… https://t.co/IPfySAUtPO— Graham Coffey (@GrahamCoffeyDC) March 19, 2026

CJ Allen vs. a deer

CJ Allen, plays 90% with his brain. He’s truly a football players, a true Mike linebacker, a quarterback on the defense. Do not be fooled by the underwear day (combine). If I wanted a guy that can run and jump fast with no skill. I’ll draft a Deer— DB (@DavinBellamy17) March 19, 2026

Response from a linebacker teammate

Cut the tape on before tweeting fam https://t.co/nC3U0T1lVL— Smael Mondon Jr (@SmaelJr) March 19, 2026

Eric Stokes to the rescue

Roquan, Nakobe, Quay, jc, k3, Tyson. Do I need to go on? https://t.co/YuuU15CEqL— Eric Stokes Jr (@_jamane_) March 19, 2026

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This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Former NFL defender critical of Georgia LB CJ Allen's pro day