Denver Broncos DC talks about how OLB Nik Bonitto is getting “his share” of sacks

Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has played a huge role in the team’s success throughout the 2024 season. One of the most influential pieces of Denver’s third-ranked defense is third-year linebacker Nik Bonitto, the Broncos’ first double-digit scorer since Von Miller and Bradley Chubb in 2018.

On Friday, Joseph spoke passionately about Bonitto’s development in all aspects of being a center fielder.

“Obviously Nik was drafted to play pashash,” Joseph said. “He was a great player in college and he’s a great player now. Plays well. His improvement has really come from his running game. The more you can play, the more chance you have of rushing.”

Coming out of Oklahoma in the 2022 draft, Bonitto was viewed as a pass-rush specialist with great speed and explosiveness at the edge, but he needed to improve his run defense. While not perfect, he has proven to be much more effective at stopping the run, making him a more complete edge rusher that allows him to stay on the field.

“If you’re just a DPR (Defensive Pass Rusher) – just a pass rusher – we can’t beat you all,” Joseph said. “As Nik progressed, he became stronger and stronger in the running game. He is very good at running. This allowed him to have more attacks. Being a more assertive edge player allowed him to run more often. Now his special trait has shown itself, and that is his pass rush.”

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The team was so impressed with Bonitto’s tremendous improvement that he felt comfortable replacing fellow pass rusher Baron Browning so he could see more snaps as a starter. Since rejoining the team in 2023, Joseph has seen significant growth in Bonitto.

“We obviously saw that special ability again during the draft process,” Joseph said. “You’re always chasing players who pass quickly in a 3-4 defense. This college kid was a natural hustle. Coming here for his rookie year, you could see the qualities. Again, he didn’t play all the time because he wasn’t a good run defender. The fact that he is a run defender and is becoming stronger on the edge has allowed him to attack more.

Joseph also touched on how having great complementary pieces around him in the front seven has created great one-on-one opportunities for Bonitto, with fellow speedy linebacker Jonathon Cooper and inside forward Zach Allen drawing attention from opponents.

“Of course, with many rounds, he will win his share. Having the lead, longer third downs – those things – having ‘Coop’ in front of (him), having Zach in the middle, there’s a lot of things that allow him in one-on-one situations, he’ll win his share.”

What caught the Broncos’ attention was Bonitto’s natural ability as a pass-rusher, who overcame his lack of ground game to become an undeniable starter. He will play a key role in Denver’s defensive dominance, and with five games left, he will have a chance to claim the championship vacancy as he currently ranks third in the NFL with 10 quarterback takedowns.

Bonitto is in for a hefty payday if he continues his current streak, and Denver would be wise to pay up sooner rather than later.

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