Payton Gives Guarded Review of Broncos DL Zach Allen's Camp Showing

Football players tend to thrive when the pads go on, and the action gets considerably more intense. For a well-seasoned head coach like Sean Payton, evaluating the Denver Broncos is far less reliable when it’s done in just shorts and shirts.

“Yes, 100 percent. It’s happened every year as a head coach for me. There’s always been a few players who look different in pads, and they play differently,” Payton said this week. “That’s why we’re always guarded to make those early evaluations until we get into pads.”

One player Payton likely had to wait 'til the pads came on to get an accurate bead on was defensive end Zach Allen. The Broncos signed the former Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman this past spring, so seeing what he could do during the more physical camp sessions was highly anticipated.

Unfortunately, after the first padded session on Monday, the Broncos were licking their wounds after Tim Patrick's season-ending Achilles injury. Thankfully, Allen's disruption of quarterback Russell Wilson has greatly enthused Payton.

“He’s a really good technician," Payton said of Allen. The one thing about him, he’s always going to be fitting the right gap. He’s really smart. He’s a high-effort and energy player. He does a good job of getting an edge and getting on the lineman’s edge. We’re pleased with what we’ve seen, but again, it’s early.”

The Broncos' depth along the defensive line remains a serious question mark during training camp, especially with second-year backup Eyoima Uwazurike’s indefinitely suspended by the NFL for violating its gambling policy. Thus, much of the responsibility for plugging the correct gaps and setting the edge will fall even more squarely on Allen's shoulders. Allen showing out early in camp sets the standard for the entire group, and Payton has been upbeat about how all his big guys have responded thus far.

“Those guys are doing well,” Payton said on Monday. “We had one-on-one work yesterday. We went to 9-on-7 today. It’s two days in with the pads, and this is when we get a chance to see them. We are hopeful some of those younger guys come on.”

A little luck will also be required because the injury bug opened last year's training camp with a season-ending injury to Patrick, and the Broncos' overall health and wellness snowballed downhill from there. Adding insult to Patrick's injury is the news of linebacker Jonas Griffith tearing his ACL on Tuesday, ending his campaign before it even started. 

Payton will be hoping that such injuries can be avoided to allow the Broncos to finally develop some momentum, and that applies greatly to the pass-rushing department. Having spent the past two years of his career tucked under the wing of future Hall-of-Famer J.J. Watt, Allen knows the benefits of working in tandem with a productive trench partner.

One week into camp, the 25-year-old Allen hasn't regretted his decision to follow defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, who coached him in Arizona the past four years, to the Mile High City.

“I’m just super excited to be here," Allen said this week. "I’m really glad with my choice.”