Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series concludes today with a look at sixth-year defensive lineman Zach Allen, No. 99.
Before the Broncos: Allen (6-5, 285 pounds) entered the league as a third-round pick out of Boston College with the Arizona Cardinals in 2019. He played four games as a rookie before suffering a season-ending neck injury. Allen returned to play 13 games in 2020, including seven starts.
Allen later emerged as a full-time starter in 2021. In his final two seasons with the Cardinals from 2021-2022, Allen totaled 34 quarterback hits, 9.5 sacks, 12 pass breakups and one interception.
Broncos tenure: Allen signed with Denver last year, reuniting with Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, who held that same role in Arizona from 2019-2022. In his first season in Denver, Allen recorded 60 tackles, 24 quarterback hits, five sacks, one pass breakup and one forced fumble in 17 games.
Chances to make the 53-man roster: Lock. Allen is set to lead the team’s defensive line again this fall as one of Joseph’s starting defensive ends.