The Denver Gazette examines each Broncos position group before the start of training camp later this month. Next up: Defensive line.

Projected starters

—DE Zach Allen

—NT D.J. Jones

—DE John Franklin-Myers

Projected backups

—DE Saivon Jones

—NT Malcolm Roach

—DE Jordan Jackson

Roster hopefuls

—Matt Henningsen

—Jordan Miller

—Eyioma Uwazurike

—Kristian Williams

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Elephant in the room: How ready is the rookie?

Defensive line ranks among the Broncos’ most complete position groups. Allen returns after earning second-team All-Pro honors. Denver signed D.J. Jones to a three-year, $39-million contract extension in March. Franklin-Myers posted a career-best seven sacks a year ago.

However, three defensive linemen (Allen, Franklin-Myers and Roach) are entering the final year of their respective contracts. Change might be on the horizon. That’s why the development of Sai’Vion Jones — a third-round pick from LSU — is critical moving forward. Training camp will help decide whether he is ready for a regular spot in the defensive end rotation.

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Biggest competition: Depth vs. Depth

The starting defensive line is basically carved in stone. Roach is the clear backup nose tackle. But how will the rest shake out?

Jackson ranks among the more polished reserves after appearing on 27% of all defensive snaps last year. The remaining defensive linemen have their work cut out to break into the rotation.

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Bottom line

The Broncos’ defensive line dominated a year ago. The team ranked No. 8 in run stop win rate (32%) and No. 2 in pass rush win rate (46%), according to ESPN. Their trajectory should continue to rise if everyone stays healthy.