The Lead
After second-team All-Pro honors in 2024, Zach Allen could be poised for more accolades this season.
In a recent article on NFL.com, writer Kevin Patra tabbed Allen as the Broncos' most likely first-time Pro Bowl selection heading into the 2025 season. The recognition comes on the heels of Allen's best season to date and growing league-wide respect for his impact up front.
"Put this Broncos D-lineman among the most underrated players in the entire league," Patra wrote. "He's a pocket-collapser. A people mover. A body slammer. A QB tormentor."
In 2024, Allen recorded career highs across the board — notching 61 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 40 quarterback hits and 8.5 sacks. But perhaps most impressive were his 67 total quarterback pressures, which led all interior defensive linemen, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. He was also the only non-edge rusher to crack the top 10 in that category, despite facing a double-team rate of 35.9 percent, the highest among the group. His 14 pressures while double-teamed tied for fifth among interior defenders.
Since signing with the Broncos in 2023, Allen has anchored the middle of Denver's defense with consistency and force. Over two seasons, he has compiled 121 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 64 quarterback hits and 13.5 sacks — all while missing just one game.
Allen's impact has also been pivotal to the success of Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph's scheme.
"Allen fits beautifully into Vance Joseph's system — which, in turn, works best because of Allen's skill," Patra noted. "Get this man to the Pro Bowl already."
Allen's breakout season also earned him a spot on the NFL's Top 100 Players list for 2025, where he landed at No. 90.
Now, with another big season ahead, Allen could be in position to add a Pro Bowl nod to his growing resume.
