Broncos rookie pass rusher Jonah Elliss has 'very high' upside

After being picked by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 2024 NFL draft out of Utah, outside linebacker Jonah Elliss impressed in preseason with six pressures, two sacks and one forced fumble. Two of his pressures also forced interceptions.

In Denver, Elliss reunited with former college teammate Devaughn Vele, a wide receiver who was picked by the Broncos in the seventh round.

“They’re getting the ‘Mayor of Sack Lake City,’” Vele said of Elliss. “He’s a heck of a player. I was super excited for him, and it’s awesome to be reunited with him and bringing that Utah culture to Broncos [Country].”

Elliss figures to serve as a rotational pass rusher early in the season behind starters Baron Browning and Jonathon Cooper.

“You know Jonah [has] a lot of natural skill,” Browning said. “I think his upside is very high, but like any rookie, there is a learning curve from playing in college to the NFL. I think he’s just going to continue to develop and continue to get better.

“I’m happy with what I’ve seen, but obviously I know he has high expectations for himself. Not only him, but our whole unit. Just like I said, I’m excited to see him keep growing.”

Even after a dominant showing in preseason, Elliss knows there’s room for improvement. Asked about his strengths and weaknesses, Elliss gave an honest assessment.

“I feel like my effort is elite when it comes to the game, but I think that is just how I was raised,” Elliss said. “I think I’m a great pass rusher in the back formation as well. Somewhere I need to grow is just protecting the little things, the little techniques and switching that through my run game.”

Elliss will likely rotate in with Nik Bonitto as a situation pass rusher as a rookie. He has the talent to eventually emerge as a starter, but Elliss will work on refining his craft as a rotational player to begin his pro career.