Editor’s note>> Seventh in a series previewing the Broncos’ 2025 roster in the weeks leading up to the start of training camp in late July.

On the roster (7)>> Nik Bonitto, Jonathon Cooper, Jonah Elliss, Andrew Farmer, Que Robinson, Dondrea Tillman, Johnny Walker Jr.

How many on the 53?>> 4-5. Pretty straightforward here. Bonitto and Cooper, back again in tandem off the edge, are locks. Elliss had five sacks in just 434 defensive snaps in a dynamic rookie year in 2024, and Tillman had five of his own in just 12 games after coming over from the UFL. Whether Denver takes five into ’25 could depend on how they view fourth-round rookie Robinson, who could contribute right away on special teams while flashing upside as a pass-rusher.

Most impactful offseason move>> Re-signing Tillman.

It’s not like Denver would’ve decided against this. After a simple exclusive-rights free-agent tender, Denver will carry the 27-year-old on its roster in 2025 for a bargain of $960,000. As presently constructed, Tillman isn’t even slotted to count against the organization’s cap space. And his development and usage will be a point to watch for coordinator Vance Joseph’s defense this fall, as Tillman gave the room a unique frame (270 pounds) and incredible per-snap production (22 pressures in 165 pass-rush reps) in 2024.

Biggest question to answer in camp>> What’s Nik Bonitto’s future in Denver? And will ‘The Bloodhound’ stick?

Let’s address the eminently more pressing question here first>> Will Bonitto go around Denver’s locker room this summer calling himself ‘The Bloodhound,’ as he’s done in offseason training in Arizona for a couple of years? And will Broncos Country embrace this? Only time will tell.

The 25-year-old sack artist is heading into a contract year, a point he’s made obvious on social media this offseason. Other franchise cornerstones are also up for extension, including Zach Allen and Courtland Sutton. How Denver prioritizes Bonitto will offer insight into how much the franchise values the Pro Bowler. Interestingly, head coach Sean Payton said during minicamp that Denver had to be careful of Bonitto’s snap count, a clear point that the Broncos may look to rein in his workload in 2025. That could lead to fewer sacks and a few million less in market value.

Battle to watch>>: Can Walker push for a spot?

The Broncos jumped on Walker with a preferred free-agent deal after he went undrafted in April, and the Mizzou product has potential. The downside: Walker isn’t excessively big or athletic at 6-foot-2, 246 pounds. The upside: He finished fifth in the SEC in pressures last year. The Broncos are deep on young talent on the edge, but Walker excelling in camp could force some tough roster conversations.

Under the radar player>> Elliss.

His rookie year ended unceremoniously, with a broken scapula in the Broncos’ wild-card loss to the Bills. But Elliss put some pretty solid plays on tape after Denver drafted him in the third round in 2024. He racked up five sacks. He didn’t miss many tackles in the run game. He contributed on special teams, playing the sixth-most snaps on ST of anyone on Denver’s roster.

Elliss’ future, in some ways, is tied to Bonitto’s. If Payton’s remarks weren’t a smokescreen and Denver takes away a few snaps from Bonitto in 2025, those opportunities would likely fall into Elliss’ lap. If Bonitto takes a step back in production and Elliss takes a step forward, would the Broncos feel comfortable spending money elsewhere? A wide array of potential outcomes awaits.