Who are Broncos undrafted free agents?

The Denver Broncos have a pretty good history when it comes to finding talent in undrafted free agents. In 2018 the Broncos signed Colorado running back Phillip Lindsay as an undrafted free agent. Lindsay would rush for 1000+ yards in back-to-back seasons and be the first-ever undrafted rookie to be voted to the Pro Bowl.

In 2019, the Broncos signed undrafted free agent linebacker Malik Reed out of Nevada. Since then Reed has accumulated 117 tackles, 15 sacks, and four passes defended. Reed’s success had some play in the trading of Von Miller, as the Broncos felt Reed could do well enough in Miller’s absence.

Undrafted free agents have consistently made the Broncos’ roster over the years. The Broncos just signed their 2022 undrafted free agent class, and there is a good chance one or more of them will make the final roster. Let’s take a look at a player who has the best chance to make the team.

1 undrafted free agent who will make the Broncos’ 2022 roster

Christopher Allen – OLB

Christopher Allen was a top recruit in high school out of Baton Rouge, LA. For his college career, he signed with the football powerhouse Alabama Crimson Tide. When Alabama won the national championship in 2017, Allen played seven games that season in a backup role. Unfortunately, Allen suffered a knee injury in the 2018 preseason and was forced to redshirt. He recovered from his knee injury and played all 13 games in 2019, putting up a decent season. The linebacker really started to show flashes of greatness in 2020. During the season he earned second-team All-SEC honors and lead the SEC with 13 tackles for loss within 41 total stops. Allen was eager to continue his success in his senior season in 2021, but he broke his foot in the first game of the season, ending his senior campaign early.

Had Allen stayed healthy for his college career, he could have easily been drafted. Because of his injury history, NFL draft scouts gave him a middle-of-the-road draft projection. NFL Analyst Lance Zierlein projected Allen to go in the 4th round or later, but Allen ended up going un-drafted.

Because Allen missed two full collegiate seasons, it definitely hindered his development. He does however have some appealing physical skills and other intangibles that, with the right development and coaching, could mold him into a solid pass rusher. Regarding some of his concerns, Allen sometimes finds himself struggling with play recognition and has looked lost on occasion. Allen also requires some fixes to some general techniques in his game like his hand fighting, stance, and lateral burst. All these things can be improved upon with proper coaching.

What it boils down to…

The addition of Allen is definitely a low-risk, high-reward scenario for the Broncos. Because of his injury history, he went undrafted, despite being valued as a mid to late-round draft pick. So if he doesn’t really catch on with the Broncos, the team won’t “lose” anything if they end up needing to part ways with Allen. His injury history could end up flaring up again and potentially hinder his professional development. But if Allen is able to remain healthy, he could easily find a spot on the roster as at least a 3rd string pass-rusher in his rookie season. The Broncos have a decent amount of pass rushers, but if Allen shows out in training camp and the preseason, he could find himself a spot on the roster.

Denver Broncos 🤔… I like the sound of that !! #/UdqUbiX3CV

— ⚜️Christopher Allen⚜️ (@Allen_Greatness) May 1, 2022