Five questions for Alabama's defensive line in advance of fall camp.

5 .] Can Josh Frazier provide some snaps? With Jarran Reed and A'Shawn Robinson no longer around, the path has been cleared for Frazier to contend for playing time behind Alabama's projected starters. Other than Daron Payne, there aren't many true nose tackle types on the roster, so the 6-foot-4, 315-pound Frazier should be in the mix from a depth standpoint. In hindsight, a redshirt year in 2014 might have been best for the Arkansas native, who has appeared in 12 games the last two seasons. Now at the midway point of his eligibility, it's time for Frazier -- a top 40 national prospect coming out of high school -- to make his case for a role that consists of more than mop-up time snaps. 4.] Who will benefit the most from double teams?

Over the last year, I've highlighted via video some of Jonathan Allen's devastating work against offensive guards in one-on-one matchups. If we know it, you best believe opposing offensive coordinators are well aware of what Allen is capable of doing in those situations. So, after benefiting from them himself the last few seasons, Allen can expect to see considerably more doubles in 2016. With that expectation in mind, Da'Shawn Hand and Dalvin Tomlinson are good bets to see their quarterback pressure numbers increase this season -- with an emphasis on Hand, who had three sacks in limited playing time a season ago. Considering that he'll be on the field with Allen in some nickel situations, I'll even include Payne in that group.

3.] How quickly will the newcomers get up to speed?

Even with Kendall Jones coming up short of qualifying standards, still a promising ground of newcomers in end Quinnen Williams, tackle Raekwon Davis and junior college transfer end Jamar King. With depth a bit of a question mark beyond Alabama's top four linemen, the incoming trio represents the first major challenge for new defensive line coach Karl Dunbar. It would be nice if Williams and Davis were allowed to come along at a reasonable pace, but circumstances might dictate that their development be expedited. And while King will serve as the elder statesman of not only the newcomers, but the position in general, he hasn't had the benefit of a run through spring drills or summer workouts in Tuscaloosa. UA knows what it has in Allen, Hand, Payne and Tomlinson. The emphasis in camp will be on finding out what the new guys can offer.

2.] Who wins the end job opposite Allen: Tomlinson or Hand?

Due in large part to the big plays he's made as a situational performer the last two seasons, Hand is a popular pick among some fans and media. I'd be cautious about placing flash ahead of down-in and down-out dependability, however. Not that Hand won't prove capable of providing more than pass rush, but we know Tomlinson can get it done on first down against big boy offenses. And it's not like Tomlinson hasn't been involved in Alabama's pass rush packages in the past. We saw him last year in the nickel and dime packages. Looking ahead to this season, both players are going to be counted on to provide starter-like snaps and there's a good chance we'll see them on the field together at times. In other words, Alabama really has three starting defensive ends instead of two.

1.] Can Payne stay healthy?

Is it farfetched to think Payne might be the most important lineman of the bunch? I don't think so. No one is questioning that Allen is the star of the group heading into the season. But in terms of how much an injury would negatively impact the Alabama defense, Payne's value is greater than any other guy up front. Why? First and foremost, Payne is the anchor UA has to have against offenses that rely on getting the job done on the ground. Not only that, he's capable of providing some interior pass rush while staying on the field in Alabama's "big nickel" look. Basically, the Crimson Tide had three players who fit that mold in 2015. It heads into 2016 with just one: Payne.