Broncos' DL Depth Chart Hints at a Future FA Arrival

The Denver Broncos' don't have proven depth on the defensive line.

Every NFL team has those players that are guaranteed to make the roster. They're the easiest ones to project onto the 53-man roster, and even a team that went 5-12 the year before, like the Denver Broncos, has them.

Even with a new defensive coordinator, Sean Payton and company have made it clear that there won't be a lot of changes from what the Broncos did defensively last season. However, there are going to be enough changes that could see the defense take a step back, from changing personnel to a change of defensive coordinator. 

Most of the focus is on the return of Vance Joseph, the former failed head coach of the Broncos, but the personnel changes and losses cannot be overlooked. The interior defensive line is changing out two of its starters, and it was already a unit that had its struggles last season. There is plenty of competition along the defensive line, but the quality may not be the best. 

As I break down the Broncos' defensive line, players will be placed into three tiers reflecting their chances of making the roster. Here's a quick explanation of the three tiers that reflect the different percentage ranges that each player will fall into.

Let's jump into how each interior defensive lineman lands with their chances to make the roster. 

Tier 1: 70-100%

D.J. Jones | Zach Allen

With Allen being one of the big free-agent signings, he is 100% set to make the roster. He is a great run defender capable of getting after the quarterback. 

With how the Broncos struggled there last year, Allen's ability as a run defender is coveted. Additionally, his familiarity with Joseph can help the other interior defensive linemen pick things up. 

Last year, Jones had a huge year for the Broncos when he was on the field. He should be able to easily handle the change of scheme and what changes there are. There should be another big step forward with Jones this season and, hopefully, more consistency. 

These two should be good for the Broncos, if not great, and are the only two starters that are cemented in their spots. After them, the rest of the D-line is questionable at best. 

What happens next for the Broncos? Don't miss out on any news and analysis! Take a second and sign up for our free newsletter and get breaking Broncos news delivered to your inbox daily!

Tier 2: 40-69%

Eyioma Uwazurike | Mike Purcell | Matt Henningsen 

One of these players will end up as the third starter unless Payton and the Broncos look to add another veteran at some point before the season. All three have plenty going for them, while a few things run against them. 

Purcell is the favorite to end up as the starter as the nose tackle, putting Jones as a 4i-technique (defensive end). Purcell is a solid option as a nose tackle, but it takes Jones from his best position. 

On top of that, Purcell is on a deal that could see him released for financial purposes. Parting with him would save $3.5 million against the salary cap, with less than $300K in dead money. 

Henningsen and Uwazurike are second-year players and part of the battle for the third starting spot. Either would allow Jones to play his more natural spot in base packages. 

Uwazurike still needs to do a lot of growing, but he showed progress later in the season. There is a lot of upside, but it is a matter of continuing to take the steps to get there. 

As for Henningsen, he is a solid piece that may best fit as a rotational piece on the defensive line. He can work as a starter in the role DeShawn Williams had last year, but there isn't a lot of upside with him. 

READ: Broncos Roster Prediction: Revealing Each QB's Odds of Making it

Tier 3: 0-39%

Elijah Garcia | Jordan Jackson | Jonathan Harris | Haggai Ndubuisi | PJ Mustipher | Tyler Lancaster

Teams usually keep six interior defensive linemen, so one of these guys has a decent chance, but the Broncos also could go the veteran route. There are a lot of questions about this group. 

Lancaster has played over 1,400 NFL snaps at multiple spots on the interior. His versatility could be a boost, along with his experience. Harris also has some experience, but he has played under 400 snaps over the past few seasons, and it hasn't been a great showing. 

Ndubuisi is an interesting option with so little known about him, but everyone with the Broncos wanted him as part of the NFL International Player Pathway Program. The practice squad may be more likely, but there has been some praise for him through early off-season programs. 

The remaining three players have played 18 snaps in the NFL, all by Garcia. Mustipher is an undrafted rookie, and Jackson is entering his second year. 

If one of these players doesn't step up in camp, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Broncos find another veteran to be part of their rotation. 

The Takeaway

While the Broncos have a couple of capable starters, they are still looking for that third. Denver's options for the third starting job have plenty of questions surrounding them, and the possibilities lower on the depth chart could lead to another veteran arriving eventually. 

Grab your copy of Sports Illustrated's commemorative Denver Nuggets Championship issue!

---

Follow Mile High Huddle on Twitter and Facebook.

Subscribe to Mile High Huddle on YouTube for daily Broncos live-stream podcasts!