NFL 2022: One undrafted free agent from every team that could make the roster
By Randy Gurzi
Denver Broncos: Christopher Allen, EDGE, Alabama
Alabama knows how to develop defensive players and they were getting a lot of out Christopher Allen — a top recruit who joined them back in 2017.
After playing in just eight games from 2017 through 2019 (he missed all of 2018 due to a knee injury), Allen finally broke out in 2020 with 37 tackles and six sacks. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to continue to build upon that success since he missed the entire 2021 campaign due to a foot injury.
NFL.com scout Lance Zierlein says those injuries robbed Allen of game experience which hurt his development.
"“Two injuries robbed Allan of valuable game experience and dulled some of his development. He’s a physical specimen with the strength to hold his own at the point and rid himself of single blocks with twitch and technique. However, he often seems lost in terms of play recognition and what he needs to do to get in on a play. He has some upfield rush charge but isn’t a natural bend-and-trim rusher, so building out a more thoughtful, diversified attack is a must. Allen has the traits to play edge in odd or even fronts but additional development is critical if he wants to become more than just a quality rotational defender.”"
What really stands out in Zierlein’s report on Allen is that he makes it sound as though his floor is being a “quality rotational defender.” That should be more than enough for him to make the roster and with Denver having Bradley Chubb and Randy Gregory — each of who have missed time in their careers — building quality depth is a must.