Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at rookie outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, No. 42.
Before the Broncos: Bonitto (6-3, 240 pounds) became a force of nature at the University of Oklahoma. After a redshirt freshman season that saw him only appear in three games, Bonitto started least 10 games per season in his final three years. His combined stats for his collegiate career totaled 118 tackles (69 solo, 49 combined), 19.5 sacks, 33 tackles for losses, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and one interception. After invites to the NFL combine and the Reese’s Senior Bowl, the Denver Broncos selected Bonitto in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft.
Broncos tenure: Bonitto surprised Denver general manager George Paton with his fall to the second round. Despite his status as an unproven, raw talent, several Broncos players have already praised Bonitto’s potential.
Chances of making the 53 man roster: As Denver’s first pick in the 2022 NFL draft, the expectation is that Bonitto is poised to eventually become a starter, but he’ll begin the year behind Bradley Chubb and Randy Gregory on the depth chart.
Going into training camp, Bonitto will see a lot of competition from other outside linebackers fighting for their own jobs. He’s a lock for the roster but playing time won’t be handed to Bonitto; he’ll have to earn his stripes.
Follow the Broncos Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts
