Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto voiced frustration after PFF’s defensive lineman rankings excluded teammate Zach Allen, calling out the oversight and defending Allen’s impact on defense.
The NFL offseason often brings a flood of rankings, projections, and analytical breakdowns. While many of these assessments are consumed passively by fans, they can sometimes provoke strong reactions from players—especially when they feel their teammates are being overlooked. That was precisely the case when Denver Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto took to social media to express his disapproval of Pro Football Focus (PFF)’s recent rankings of interior defensive linemen, which notably omitted Zach Allen, a key contributor to the Broncos’ defensive front.
Bonitto didn’t mince words, taking a public stand in defense of Allen, who he believes is not getting the recognition he deserves. The post immediately caught the attention of Broncos fans, NFL analysts, and football media, sparking broader conversations about PFF’s ranking system, player evaluations, and the often-unseen contributions of players like Allen who don’t always rack up eye-popping stats but are vital to their team’s success.
The PFF Ranking and the Controversy
PFF’s list of top interior defensive linemen is based on an extensive grading system that includes player efficiency, pass-rush productivity, run defense, and snap counts. While PFF aims to bring a data-driven approach to player analysis, their rankings don’t always align with how players and coaches view performance.
In the latest edition, several expected names were present—Aaron Donald, Chris Jones, Dexter Lawrence, and Quinnen Williams among them. But to many Broncos fans and players, the glaring omission was Zach Allen, who has emerged as a key piece of Denver’s defense since signing with the team in 2023.
Nik Bonitto didn’t hesitate to express his disagreement, tweeting:
“No Zach Allen on this list? Lol. Y’all don’t watch games clearly.”
His reaction quickly gained traction, with fans echoing his sentiments and questioning the objectivity and criteria of PFF’s ranking system.
Who Is Zach Allen and Why the Disrespect Stings
Zach Allen, a former third-round pick out of Boston College, spent his early career with the Arizona Cardinals before joining the Broncos. In Denver, Allen has quietly become one of the most consistent and versatile interior linemen in the league. Known for his high motor, technique, and ability to disrupt plays from the inside, Allen plays a role that doesn’t always yield gaudy stats but makes a significant impact on the outcome of games.
In the 2023 season, Allen recorded 5.5 sacks, 8 tackles for loss, and 17 quarterback hits. While these numbers might not scream “elite,” they don’t tell the whole story. Allen consistently commands double teams, maintains gap discipline, and creates opportunities for edge rushers like Bonitto to feast off the edge. His presence fundamentally shapes the way opponents game plan for Denver’s front seven.
Bonitto’s Defense of a Teammate: Brotherhood on Display
Nik Bonitto’s reaction is more than just frustration over a list. It’s a public display of loyalty and respect. In the world of professional sports, where individual accolades often dominate headlines, moments like these underscore the importance of team culture and brotherhood.
Bonitto’s defense of Allen speaks volumes about the camaraderie in Denver’s locker room. It also highlights a growing trend of NFL players using their platforms to advocate not just for themselves but for teammates they believe are being overlooked or disrespected.
By publicly backing Allen, Bonitto is saying that those who only follow stats or read rankings may miss the nuance that players on the field see every day.
The Value of a Player Like Zach Allen
To understand the depth of Bonitto’s frustration, one must consider the role players like Zach Allen serve. Interior linemen who can play both the run and pass, shift across the defensive line, and stay healthy are rare. Allen is the kind of player who plugs gaps, collapses pockets, and allows linebackers to roam free—tasks that often go unnoticed but are invaluable to team success.
The Broncos’ defense showed flashes of excellence in 2023, especially in the second half of the season when they strung together key wins. Allen was central to that resurgence. His contributions may not always show up on the stat sheet, but film review after film review confirms his consistency, toughness, and intelligence.
Analytics vs. Eye Test: The Ongoing Debate
Bonitto’s tweet also reignites the age-old debate in sports between analytics and the “eye test.” PFF’s grading system has long been a subject of controversy among players and coaches, who argue that while useful, it doesn’t always account for scheme-specific roles, film study nuances, or the value of off-ball contributions.
Many players have expressed skepticism over PFF’s grading, with some saying their film study or internal team grades often conflict with what PFF reports publicly. Bonitto’s reaction adds to the growing number of players willing to speak out when they believe the analytics miss the mark.
This isn’t to say analytics are without value. PFF has done a great deal to elevate the way fans and analysts think about player performance. However, the Zach Allen omission is a clear example of how analytics can sometimes fail to capture a player’s true impact.
Coach and Team Reactions
While Broncos coaching staff members have not publicly commented on the PFF ranking or Bonitto’s remarks, it’s widely understood within the organization how highly they regard Allen. Head coach Sean Payton and defensive coordinator Vance Joseph have both praised Allen for his work ethic, leadership, and ability to anchor the defensive line.
In team meetings and internal evaluations, Allen’s value is not in question. It’s these kinds of inside-the-building assessments that matter most, but public perception and media coverage still play a role in shaping narratives around players—especially when it comes to things like Pro Bowl nominations or contract negotiations.
Fan Response: Support for Bonitto and Allen
Broncos fans quickly rallied around Bonitto’s comments, flooding social media with their own praise for Allen. Many pointed to specific plays, games, and stats that support Bonitto’s assertion that Allen deserves more recognition. Some fans even went as far as creating comparison charts showing how Allen stacks up statistically and impact-wise with players who made PFF’s list.
This type of fan engagement reinforces how deeply fans care about fair recognition for their team’s players and how players’ voices can help galvanize support.
What This Means for the Broncos Moving Forward
Heading into the 2025 season, this moment could serve as motivation for both Allen and the entire Broncos defense. Overlooked players often carry that chip on their shoulder throughout the year, using perceived disrespect as fuel. Allen, known for his professionalism, is unlikely to respond directly, but don’t be surprised if he lets his play do the talking.
As for Bonitto, his outspoken defense of a teammate solidifies his growing role as a leader in the locker room. That kind of solidarity can be contagious and may help foster a stronger, more unified defense in Denver.
Final Thoughts: Recognition Beyond the Numbers
Nik Bonitto’s defense of Zach Allen is a powerful reminder that not all great players are appreciated equally. Rankings like PFF’s can be helpful tools for analysis, but they don’t replace the knowledge gained from actually watching the game, understanding scheme responsibilities, and recognizing the contributions that don’t always fit neatly into statistical models.
For Allen, the lack of recognition may sting, but his teammates’ support speaks volumes. For Bonitto, standing up publicly is a statement of leadership and belief—not just in a teammate, but in the principles of fairness and recognition in a league that often misses the subtle greatness of players like Zach Allen.
In the end, football remains a game of both numbers and nuance. And sometimes, the truest evaluations come not from data points, but from those who share the trenches every Sunday.
