Broncos roster: OLB Nik Bonitto (No. 15) aims for another big season in contract year
Broncos roster: OLB Nik Bonitto (No. 15) aims for another big season in contract year
Broncos Wire's 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at fourth-year outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, No. 15.
Before the Broncos: Nik Bonitto played for four years at the University of Oklahoma from 2018-21. Over his four-year tenure, Bonitto earned three honors: AP third-team All-American (2021), second-team All-Big 12 (2021) and second-team All-American (2020). Over 40 games played, Bonitto recorded 117 tackles (68 solo, 49 assisted, 35 tackles for loss), 18.5 sacks, one interception, one forced fumble, three fumble recoveries and seven pass deflections.
Bonitto was selected in the second round (64th overall) of the 2022 NFL draft by the Denver Broncos.
Broncos tenure: Bonitto had a rocky rookie season, playing in 15 games, only starting one game and totaling 14 tackles (six solo, eight assisted, one for loss), one forced fumble and 1.5 sacks, hardly the type of year the Broncos were hoping for from their highest draft pick in 2022.
Bonttio took a step forward in 2023, a year in which he started four games. Bonitto upped his sack total to 8.0, made 30 tackles (23 solo, seven assisted, 13 tackles for loss), two pass deflections and one forced fumble.
If 2023 was a step forward, 2024 was an explosion, and one every bit as much as the Broncos were hoping for when they drafted Bonitto in 2022. Bonitto started 15 games, totaling 48 tackles (33 solo, 15 assisted, 16 tackles for loss, 24 QB hits), two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one interception. Bonitto's fumble recovery and interception both went for touchdowns. Bonitto's huge jump earned him a Pro Bowl nod, as well as second-team All-Pro honors.
Chances to make the 53-man roster: 100 percent. Bonitto had a breakout year in 2024, and is in the middle of contract extension talks with the Denver front office to keep him with the Broncos for the foreseeable future. Bonitto is primed for another big year in 2025, and Broncos Country is excited to see what the future holds.
Related: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
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