​It’s that time of year again when players are ranked by their peers in the NFL’s Top 100 for the previous season. The first Denver Broncos player to appear on the list is none other than defensive lineman Zach Allen. Allen has been climbing the ranks since joining Denver as a free agent in 2023, and his ascent has continued under Vance Joseph’s defensive scheme. His impact has been clear, earning two All-Pro selections and establishing himself as a force in the interior trenches.
Over the past three seasons with the Broncos, Allen has racked up 20.5 sacks and 8 passes defensed, including batted passes at the line of scrimmage. He has also accumulated 111 quarterback hits in three years, a remarkable uptick from the 43 he registered across four years with the Arizona Cardinals. In short, Allen has evolved into one of the league’s most disruptive interior players, consistently applying pressure up the middle and anchoring Denver’s defensive line.
The importance of his contributions cannot be overstated. His performance at the heart of the defense was a major factor in the decision to extend him with a four-year, $102 million contract last August. That deal underscored the Broncos’ belief in his ability to be a cornerstone of their defensive front for years to come, a recognition of how his presence elevates the entire unit and stabilizes the interior.
While Allen may be the first Bronco to earn a spot on the Top 100 this year, he’s almost certainly not the last. Denver’s defense has a number of standout performers who will be looking to follow in his footsteps, both this season and in seasons ahead. His early placement on the Top 100 is a testament to the impact he has had since arriving in Denver and to the growing recognition of his talents among peers around the league.
As the season unfolds, the Broncos will be counting on Allen to continue his dominant play and to solidify their status as a formidable force on both the pass rush and run defense. With him leading the way, Denver’s front is poised to be a thorn in the side of opponents, contributing to a durable, disruptive defense that can influence games at every down.