Editor’s note: Sixth in a series previewing the Broncos’ position groups entering training camp. Today, the defensive line.
On the roster (11): Zach Allen, Elijah Garcia, Jonathan Harris, Matt Henningsen, Jordan Jackson, D.J. Jones, Tyler Lancaster, P.J. Mustipher, Haggai Ndubuisi, Mike Purcell, Eyioma Uwazurike.
How many on the 53?: Five or six.
Most impactful offseason move: Signing Zach Allen and losing Dre’Mont Jones.
Denver lost Jones via free agency but agreed to a lucrative three-year deal with Allen on the first day of negotiations in March. The Broncos think they’re getting an ascending player in the 25-year-old who recorded 5.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss and 20 quarterback hits in 13 games last year. Allen also has the benefit of having played for defensive coordinator Vance Joseph the past four seasons in Arizona. He’ll be counted on to not just be a disruptive player, but also a mentor for a group that’s got several young players.
Biggest question to answer in camp: Are the second-year guys really ready?
Uwazurike and Henningsen each experienced life as a rookie in the NFL trenches in 2022, but both showed enough to suggest they could be in line for a bigger role this fall. Could be ready and emphatically are ready are very different and camp will be key. Allen and D.J. Jones make a stout pair to start a room with. Most of the rest, beginning with this duo, are in prove-it mode.
Battle to watch: Purcell vs. Lancaster.