The Denver Broncos have one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL, and hardly anyone talks about him.
Zach Allen, now in his fourth year in Denver, has put forth an incredibly strong season through the first six games. Though that hasn't led to him being mentioned in the same breath as guys like Jalen Carter, Leonard Williams, Vita Vea, Jeffery Simmons or Quinnen Williams, it should.
Through six games, Allen has 4.5 sacks and 16 hits on the quarterback. Since the beginning of last season, no interior defensive lineman in the league has been credited with more quarterback pressures, either.
Most pressures among DT since 2025, per @NextGenStats: 1. Zach Allen - 77 2. Jeffery Simmons - 76 3. Kobie Turner - 67 4. Byron Murphy II - 62 5. Leonard
Williams – 60
— NFL Researcher (@NFL_Researcher) October 15, 2026
Coming off his first Pro Bowl selection as well as being named a First-team All-Pro last season, Allen shouldn't be flying under the radar as much as he is, but Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette believes he is a legitimate contender for the Defensive Player of the Year Award, at least to this point in the season.
That is quite the compliment to Allen and the season that he is having. He will get his next chance to impress this Sunday against his former team when the Broncos take on the Arizona Cardinals.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Broncos’ underrated defensive lineman quietly having a DPOY season
