The Denver Broncos have a solid roster from top to bottom that includes many players who receive a good deal of attention. One player who should probably get more attention than he does is blossoming defensive lineman Zach Allen.
A third-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals in 2019, Allen has spent the past two seasons in Denver, turning himself into one of the strongest members of any defensive front in the league. Many fans thought he should have received a selection to the Pro Bowl last season, but he may not be far off from getting his first nod.
After registering 8.5 sacks last season, Allen was selected as a Second-team All-Pro. Recently, the team signed him to a four-year contract extension worth up to $102 million with $69.5 million guaranteed.
Kevin Patra of NFL.com identified one potential first-time Pro Bowl player for all 32 teams and his selection for the Broncos was Allen, a good choice.
"The fact that Allen even qualifies for this list as a zero-time Pro Bowler is comical. Put this Broncos D-lineman among the most underrated players in the entire league. He's a pocket-collapser. A people mover. A body slammer. A QB tormentor. Last season, he was the only non-edge rusher in the NFL to rank in the top 10 in QB pressures, tying for ninth with 67, per Next Gen Stats.
Allen generated that figure despite being the only player in the top 10 with a double-team rate higher than 18% (35.9%). His 14 QBPs while double-teamed tied for fifth among all interior defenders.
Allen fits beautifully into Vance Joseph's system -- which, in turn, works best because of Allen's skill. Get this man to the Pro Bowl already. Sheesh", wrote Patra.
NFL Top 100 Players of 2025:@Broncos DE Zach Allen is ranked No. 90! @NFLFilms pic.twitter.com/D832rN3upM
— NFL (@NFL) July 7, 2025
Broncos fans know how good Allen is and it seems as though the national media and fans around the league are starting to take notice. Pat Surtain II is the best player on the Broncos' defense, but it's not a stretch at all to say that Allen is the most important.
READ: Broncos urged to put $15 million defensive lineman on the trade block
If he plays like he did last year or takes it up another notch, he should be a lock to make the Pro Bowl roster.
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