Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at second-year outside linebacker Christopher Allen, No. 45. (During the offseason, more than one player can wear the same number if they play on different sides of the ball. Allen wears No. 45 on defense.)
Before the Broncos: Allen (6-4, 242 pounds) battled through injuries at Alabama, but he was part of a defense that won a pair of national championships during his time at the school. In his only fully-healthy season in 2020, Allen totaled 37 tackles (13 behind the line), six sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in 11 games. After earning second-team All-SEC honors in 2020, Allene broke his foot in the 2021 season opener and missed the rest of his senior season.
Broncos tenure: Denver signed Allen as an undrafted free agent in 2022. The Broncos essentially gave Allen a “redshirt” rookie season by placing him on injured reserve before setting the 53-man roster, ruling him out for the entire year.
Chance to make the 53-man roster: Denver has a crowded OLB depth chart, so Allen certainly won’t be a favorite to make the active roster. If he is healthy, though, Allen could impress this summer. The young pass rusher might end up on the practice squad in 2023.
Follow the Broncos Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts
Story originally appeared on Broncos Wire