Broncos expect Nik Bonitto to ‘make some hay’ in 2024

Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph is pleased with the outlook of the team’s pass rush rotation ahead of the 2024 season.

Last fall, Jonathon Cooper led the team with 8.5 sacks, followed by eight sacks from Nik Bonitto. Baron Browning missed seven games due to injury and finished the year with 4.5 sacks.

When asked about his expectations for Bonitto in June, Joseph praised the entire outside linebacker room while calling Bonitto a “special player.”

“I think as a group, it’s a good group between ‘Coop,’ and Nik and Baron,” Joseph said. “It’s a good group. They all can rush the passer; they all are good run game players. Nik is a special rusher. He had a great year last year. Even with missed time, he had a pretty good year.

“So obviously, he’s a natural rusher and it’s my job to find spots for him to kind of showcase that. It’s a good room, it’s an experienced room. It’s a room that should make some hay this year for us.”

The Broncos added to the room this spring when they used a third-round pick to select Utah pass rusher Jonah Elliss. Bonitto, Browning, Cooper and Elliss will be tasked with “making hay” in Joseph’s defense this fall.