Denver Broncos Alternate Logo

Nik Bonitto

Nik Bonitto Player Profile

Summary

Nik Bonitto was drafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, Round 2, (pick 64) out of Oklahoma. Bonitto is a highly-talented edge rusher with a rapid first step, excellent athleticism, and increasingly proven production in getting to the quarterback. His 2024 breakout places him among the better edge defenders in the league. He excels in the pass-rush game: beating tackles with speed, using counters, and leveraging his athletic traits.

However, he is somewhat of a specialist at this stage rather than a fully complete every-down edge. His run-defense and ability to dominate physically at the point can still improve, and his physical profile (size/length) places some limitations. In short: when he’s rushing the passer, he has “game-changer” potential; when asked to anchor against the run or sustain heavy usage, there are still developmental questions.

Strengths

  • Explosive first step & pass-rush quickness: Bonitto’s ability to jump off the snap and beat blockers with speed is frequently highlighted. For example, his first-step improved to ~0.76 seconds entering 2024. ESPN.com

  • Elite pass-rush production: In 2024, he recorded 15 sacks and 57 pressures (18th among edge rushers) with an overall PFF grade of 77.5. PFF

  • Versatility and athletic movement: Scouts praise his ability to bend the edge, change direction, and drop into coverage occasionally—good agility for an edge rusher. Mile High Sports

  • High ceiling & breakout trajectory: After his 2024 season, he was voted No. 38 on the NFL’s Top 100 Players of 2025. Denver Broncos

Weaknesses

  • Run-defense / play-strength limitations: While excellent rushing the passer, his run-defense grade (~60.0 in 2024) ranked 104th among 211 edge defenders, indicating room to improve in holding the edge and playing physically in the run game. PFF

  • Size & length relative to some elite edge matchups: At 240 lbs and 6′3″ with moderate arm length, some scouts worry he lacks the mass or length to consistently dominate against bigger offensive tackles or set the edge strong. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Snap count / workload questions: In his breakout 2024 season he played 708 snaps (61% of defensive snaps) and the question of whether he can sustain a heavier workload while maintaining efficiency is raised. Mile High Report

Fit & Outlook

  • Fit:
    Bonitto is an ideal fit in a defensive scheme that emphasizes attacking from the edge, mixing sub-packages, and deploying rush specialists. He thrives when used in pass-rush situations with freedom to attack. The Broncos’ front appears to leverage that strength, which helps maximize his value.

  • Outlook:

  • Short-Term: Expect Bonitto to continue being a primary pass-rusher, likely increasing sack totals and pressures. He’s already earned Pro Bowl/All-Pro attention.

  • Medium-Term: If he improves his run-defense and can handle more snaps, he could become a top-tier every-down edge rusher—one of the most feared in the league.