Zach Allen Named Top NFL Player by ESPN Analyst
The Broncos defender earned a spot on Bill Barnwell's list of the league's 20 best non-quarterback players.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Football
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ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell has selected Denver Broncos defensive standout Zach Allen as one of the 20 best non-quarterback players in the NFL. The recognition follows a productive 2024 campaign for the 29-year-old defensive force.
Why it matters
Analysts view Allen as the essential anchor for the Denver Broncos defensive front. His ability to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks has solidified his reputation as a premier disruptor in the league.
Allen logged 61 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and 47 quarterback hits during the 2024 season. He has maintained this momentum in 2026, recording 2 sacks through the first two games of the season.
The players
Zach Allen
He is a defensive standout currently playing for the Denver Broncos who previously learned under J.J. Watt.
Bill Barnwell
He is an ESPN analyst and sportswriter who produces rankings of top NFL performers.
J.J. Watt
He is a former NFL defensive star who served as a mentor to Allen while they played for the Arizona Cardinals.
Denver Broncos
This is an NFL franchise based in Denver that currently employs Allen as a key member of their front seven.
The details
Zach Allen, who previously played alongside mentor J.J. Watt on the Arizona Cardinals, has evolved into a primary playmaker for Denver. He recorded 15 tackles for loss during his 2024 season and continues to generate significant pressure against high-profile signal-callers.
Timeline
Zach Allen began his professional partnership with J.J. Watt in 2021.
Allen officially joined the Denver Broncos roster ahead of the 2023 season.
During the 2024 season, the defender recorded 8.5 sacks and 61 total tackles.
As of September 2026, Allen has already recorded 2 sacks in two games.
The Big Picture
This ranking signals a major career milestone for Allen following his 2024 All-Pro campaign. His emergence as a top-20 defender mirrors the career trajectory of elite pass rushers who transitioned from mentorship roles into primary defensive anchors.
Allen's high pressure rate on quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Trevor Lawrence underscores his value for fantasy rosters and defensive metrics. His current sack pace suggests he will remain a primary disruptive force for the Broncos' defensive rotation through the 2026 season.
The takeaway
Allen's development proves that sustained mentorship and consistent pressure are the hallmarks of a defensive star. Fans and fantasy managers should watch his matchup frequency, as he remains the primary catalyst for Denver's front-seven efficiency.
Further reading
For more on the team's defensive performance, visit the Denver Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
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