​This marks the third week of the NFL Top 100 Players list for 2026 being revealed, with the rollout continuing as players ranked No. 80 through No. 71 were unveiled. Among the recently announced names, two Cardinals players appear in the chunk of rankings: outside linebacker Josh Sweat at No. 78 and safety Budda Baker at No. 75. The momentum of the reveals kept rolling into Thursday when the list showed a new entry at No. 73. This particular player isn’t currently on the Cardinals, but he has connections to the franchise and will be one of Arizona’s opponents in 2026.
The No. 73 spot goes to Zach Allen, a defensive lineman for the Denver Broncos. Allen’s 2025 season was a testament to his growth and consistency. He appeared in all 17 games, earning his first Pro Bowl selection and securing a first-team All-Pro honor after having been named to the second team in 2024. His stat line for the season was impressive: 38 total tackles, seven sacks, four tackles for loss, an eye-popping 47 quarterback hits, and six passes defensed that were tipped at the line or last-second reads. The leap from No. 90 in the previous year to No. 73 demonstrates the rapid recognition of his impact as a defensive lineman.
Within the Broncos’ locker room, teammates have sung Allen’s praises, emphasizing the disruptive presence he brings to the field. Pat Surtain, Denver’s standout cornerback, described watching Allen rush the passer as “like watching ballet on grass—the moves he does, the counters, the swim moves.” Garett Bolles, the Broncos’ left tackle, lauded Allen for his all-around impact, noting that he “chases guys down, gets in their faces, bats balls down, and makes sure running backs can’t find running lanes.” Trey Smith, the Kansas City Chiefs guard, likewise expressed high regard for Allen, stating that he “has become one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL.”
Allen’s path to this point includes being drafted in the third round in 2019 and spending four seasons with the Cardinals before signing with the Broncos, where he has continued to excel over the past three years. The upcoming schedule places the Cardinals against the Broncos in Week 7, a contest that will feature a prominent clash of lines and a test of the Cardinals’ defense against a player who has ascended into NFL elite status.
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This recap of the NFL Top 100 continued with Zach Allen’s ascent to No. 73 comes from Cards Wire, offering fans a look at the evolving landscape of top-tier NFL talent and the players who shape the league week in and week out. The full content originally appeared on Cards Wire, and this rewrite compiles the essential details surrounding Allen’s recognition and the context around his ranking.