The Denver Broncos selected Oklahoma edge rusher Nik Bonitto in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft last Friday (64th overall).
Bonitto (6-3, 248 pounds) is poised to complement Bradley Chubb and free-agent addition Randy Gregory.
Discussing his favorite pass-rushing moves last week, Bonitto said, “Any move when I can just be the guy off the edge. Whether it’s ‘dipping and ripping’, ‘ghost long arm’ or ‘cross chop’ — anything like that. Anything with any one of those moves definitely are my favorites. Just trying to work for anything — work on any move I can get in my bag, just help me get more pass rush moves in my repertoire.”
Although a pass-rusher by trade, Bonitto can occasionally drop into coverage. Perhaps he can solve the Broncos’ pass-coverage woes against TEs (Travis Kelce, Darren Waller and Gerald Everett). Kidding, a little bit.
Bonitto’s thoughts on dropping into coverage: “It’s definitely a thing that can help this defense and a thing I’m willing to do — a thing I’m used to doing. Having that aspect with guys in the room that can drop and be able to rush is a great ability to have.”
Bonitto totaled 39 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and seven sacks in his final collegiate season. Check out Bonitto’s bio here, and his highlights above.