Nik Bonitto Has Become the Broncos’ Unblockable Wrecking Ball

A force that sets the tone

Bonitto’s burst off the edge is his trademark. His first step is explosive, but what separates him this year is control. He converts speed to power seamlessly, bending under blocks and finishing plays without losing balance. Tackles can’t cheat outside because he’s developed a sharp inside counter that punishes hesitation.

Every offensive snap now starts with locating No. 15. Teams dedicate tight ends to chip, backs to help, or slide protection his way. None of it has worked for long. Bonitto’s pressure collapses pockets, forces errant throws, and makes quarterbacks look rushed even when they aren’t touched.

His presence has also elevated Denver’s entire front. With Bonitto commanding attention, rushers like Jonathan Cooper and Zach Allen have found easier lanes to attack. Denver’s defense has rediscovered its identity — fast, physical, and opportunistic — because Bonitto keeps the tempo high and the pocket shrinking.

London domination shows the difference

The Broncos’ Week 6 win over the New York Jets in London was Bonitto’s impact in full view. Denver’s defense produced nine sacks and held the Jets to minus-10 net passing yards, one of the most dominant defensive outings of the season.

Bonitto finished with six tackles, including three solo, and one sack. But the box score undersold his influence. From the opening drive, he disrupted blocking angles and forced Jets quarterback Justin Fields to move before routes developed. Several of Denver’s sacks came directly from Bonitto flushing Fields into another defender’s lane.

When Bonitto is active like that, the Broncos feed off it. His energy and effort have become the team’s defensive rhythm — a constant current of pressure that opponents rarely handle for four quarters.

Complete development

Bonitto’s improvement since his rookie year is evident everywhere. He sets the edge better against the run, diagnoses plays faster, and finishes with discipline instead of just speed. He’s learned how to rush within structure, knowing when to crash, when to contain, and when to explode.

That maturity has turned his athletic gifts into production. He’s more patient before attacking, using timing and leverage instead of pure speed. The result is sustained dominance through six games, not streaks of flash plays.

Historic pace

At this rate, Bonitto is tracking toward a 20-sack season — a pace that would challenge Von Miller’s franchise record of 18.5. The numbers are impressive, but his true impact is in how he changes what offenses can even attempt. Quick throws, max protection, moving pockets — none of it has been enough to slow him down.

The Broncos’ defensive revival runs through No. 15. He’s the player every offense must account for, and even then, most can’t stop him.

The bottom line

Nik Bonitto has become everything Denver hoped for and more — a relentless, unblockable presence defining the identity of this defense. Through six weeks, the numbers speak for themselves: 

Each week, he brings the same impact — collapsing pockets, forcing mistakes, and setting a tone the entire team follows. Bonitto isn’t the future of the Broncos’ defense anymore. He’s its foundation right now, wearing No. 15 and making every snap a problem for whoever stands in his way.