Summary

Nik Bonitto was selected in Round 2 (#64 Overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft out of the University of Oklahoma. A highly productive edge rusher in the Big 12, Bonitto finished his collegiate career with 23.5 sacks, 40 tackles for loss, 7 forced fumbles, and 4 interceptions, earning First-Team All-Big 12 honors (2021) and national recognition as one of the most disruptive pass rushers in college football. In the NFL, through the 2024 season, he has recorded 20+ career sacks, 40+ quarterback hits, multiple forced fumbles, and several coverage splash plays, emerging as a primary source of pressure. Bonitto has been recognized with AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors and league-wide praise for his disruptive impact. Off the field, he is regarded as a high-character, professional, and coachable young defender, praised for work ethic, preparation habits, and steady development. Coaches consistently note his humility, competitiveness, and commitment to improving his all-around game.

Strengths

• Mongoose: Bonitto’s ability to jump off the snap and beat blockers with speed may be tops in the league with a first step rate of ~0.76 seconds entering 2024.

• Pass-Rush Instincts: Constantly towards the top of annual NFL sack leaders due to his first step, advanced feel for timing, counters, and finishing.

• Bend & Flexibility: Natural ability to corner tightly around the edge. Improved ability to convert speed into leverage.

• Playmaker: Comfortable dropping into space in zone concepts to disrupt throwing lanes and has a track record of forced fumbles and negative plays.

Weaknesses

• Liability vs. Run: Can be displaced by power run schemes and constantly grades towards the bottom of edge rushers in run defense. Still developing consistency holding firm edges.

• Anchor vs. Size: Lighter frame limits ability to stack and shed when tackles take the game to him in the run game instead of back pedaling in pass pro.

• Snap-to-Snap Consistency: Impact can come in waves rather than every down.

• Inside Power Rushers: Must continue adding functional strength. Can struggle against elite tackles with length and mass.

Outlook

Bonitto is an excellent fit for Denver’s attacking, pressure-oriented defensive scheme, particularly in roles that emphasize speed, disruption, and pass-rush creativity. He profiles best as a starting outside linebacker/edge defender, where his burst and bend can be maximized in both base and sub-packages. Bonitto’s ability to rush, drop, and stunt gives Denver flexibility to disguise pressures and stress protections without excessive blitzing. Looking ahead, Bonitto projects as a long-term starting edge rusher with perennial Pro Bowl upside. While continued strength development will determine his ceiling as a complete every-down defender, his pass-rush ability already provides game-altering impact. With further refinement against the run and continued physical growth, Bonitto has the tools to become a cornerstone pass rusher and a defining piece of Denver’s defensive identity.