2 Georgia defenders skip NFL combine testing, on-field drills

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2 Georgia defenders skip NFL combine testing, on-field drills

Georgia Bulldogs linebacker CJ Allen and defensive tackle Christen Miller both did not participate in on-field drills or athletic testing, including the 40-yard dash, at the 2026 NFL combine. Both players did speak to the media.

It is quite common for players to skip athletic testing at the combine. Unless athletic testing and/or on-field drills will help their draft stock, then most players refrain from participating. Injuries are another factor. If combine invitees are not completely healthy, then it is common for them to wait until their Pro Day or not test at all.

It is unclear exactly why Allen and Miller did not participate. However, both players have solid footing entering the 2026 NFL draft. Allen and Miller are both expected to be Day 1 or Day 2 (first three-rounds) draft picks. Allen expressed gratitude for his time at Georgia.

"Georgia has prepared me great, man, many ways… on and off the field," Allen said. "So man, shout out to Georgia for sure."

Georgia linebacker CJ Allen speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center.

Similar to Allen, Miller appreciates the time he spent in Athens. He also reflected on his relationship with UGA coach Kirby Smart.

"Man, coach (Kirby) Smart he prepared me tremendously for this moment," Miller said. "Just kind of like prepared me not as a football player, but as a man. I knew when I made a decision to go to Georgia it was going to be a lifetime decision and I was going to leave a man.

"So I feel like coach Smart prepared me. He was hard on me. He was on his mic at practice everyday antagonizing me, but he is part of the reason why I am who I am today."

Christen Miller thanks Georgia football

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This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Pair of Georgia football stars skip combine testing, on-field drills

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