Tag: Jonah Elliss

Broncos’ sack leaders from 2024 season (Nik Bonitto led the way)

The Broncos led the NFL with 63 sacks as Nik Bonitto (13.5) led the way. Here are the team’s individual sack leaders from the 2024 season.

The Denver Broncos‘ impressive defense led the NFL with 63 sacks during the 2024 season, setting a new franchise record.

Broncos outside linebackers Nik Bonitto (13.5 sacks) and Jonathon Cooper (10.5 sacks) became the team’s first double-digit sack duo since Von Miller (14.5) and Bradley Chubb (12.0) in 2018.

Not far behind were defensive linemen Zach Allen (8.5) and John Franklin-Myers (7.0). Denver also got solid productive from backup rotational pass rushers Jonah Elliss (5.0) and Dondrea Tillman (5.0).

The Broncos had 16 different players record at least a half-sack in 2024, which helps explain how they ended up leading the league with 63. Here’s a look at all of Denver’s individual sack totals from the 2024 season.

Broncos 2024 sack leaders

  1. Nik Bonitto: 13.5
  2. Jonathon Cooper: 10.5
  3. Zach Allen: 8.5
  4. John Franklin-Myers: 7.0
  5. Jonah Elliss: 5.0
  6. Dondrea Tillman: 5.0
  7. Justin Strnad: 3.0
  8. Malcolm Roach: 2.5
  9. Cody Barton: 1.5
  10. D.J. Jones: 1.0
  11. P.J. Locke: 1.0
  12. Ja’Quan McMillian: 1.0
  13. Devon Key: 1.0
  14. Jordan Jackson: 1.0
  15. Drew Sanders: 1.0
  16. Eyioma Uwazurike: 0.5

Bonitto, Cooper, Allen, JFM and Ellis are all under contract for 2025, so the Broncos should be able to continue appling heavy pressure next season.

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Broncos OLB Jonah Elliss had shoulder surgery; made All-Rookie team

Broncos OLB Jonah Elliss underwent shoulder surgery after making the PFWA’s All-Rookie Team in 2024.

Denver Broncos outside linebacker Jonah Elliss underwent should surgery last week, his father, Luther Elliss, confirmed to KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis.

Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette previously broke the news about Elliss suffering a fractured scapula bone in the team’s playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills. At the time of the initial report, it was not yet known if the pass rusher would undergo surgery.

Elliss (6-2, 246 pounds) eventually did undergo surgery, putting his status in doubt for the team’s offseason program this spring.

The Broncos picked Elliss in the third round of last year’s NFL draft out of Utah. He served as a rotational outside linebacker in his rookie season, totaling 38 tackles, six quarterback hits, five sacks and two pass breakups in 17 games (playing 38% of the defensive snaps).

Following his impressive season, Elliss made the Pro Football Writers of America’s All-Rookie Team. He was Denver’s only player to take home that honor following the 2024 season.

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Injury update for Broncos OLB Jonah Elliss after shoulder blade fracture

Broncos OLB Jonah Elliss suffered a fractured scapula bone against the Bills, but he should be healed in time for the offseason program.

Denver Broncos outside linebacker Jonah Elliss left the team’s Wild Card playoff game against the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter of a 31-7 loss on Jan. 12. Elliss was later ruled out with a shoulder injury.

We now know that Elliss suffered a fractured scapula bone, according to a report from the Denver Gazette‘s Chris Tomasson. Fortunately, the pass rusher is expected to be healed in time for the offseason program.

“It’s just a broken bone, so six weeks,” the edge defender’s father, Luther Elliss, told Tomasson in an interview.

The elder Elliss said they’re still determining if the pass rusher will undergo surgery. Even if he does, Elliss is expected to be back in time for Denver’s offseason workouts this spring.

Elliss, 21, was picked by the Broncos in the third round of the 2024 NFL draft out of Utah. He served as a rotational pass rusher in his rookie season, totaling six quarterback hits and five sacks on 434 snaps (17 games). Elliss will look to build on those totals in 2025 once recovered.

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Jonah Elliss celebrated his brother making a play for the other team

Jonah Elliss celebrated Kaden Elliss making a tackle vs. the Broncos on Sunday, then he wrote his brother a funny message after the game.

You don’t see this often.

After tackling Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims on punt coverage duty, Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Davis received some love from a player on the opposite team on Sunday afternoon.

Jonah Elliss, Kaden’s brother who plays for the Broncos, jumped up on Kaden and gave him a celebratory smack on the helmet after the tackle. KCNC-TV cameras captured the moment showing both brothers with big smiles:

“Lots of giggles, man,” Kaden said after the game when asked about playing against his brother. “Lots of laughs. It was a dream come true to see him on the field and get to go out and block him a little bit or at least try to.”

Kaden ended the day with nine tackles, tied for second-most in the game. Jonah joined in the fun with a sack in the third quarter:

After the game, the brothers exchanged signed jerseys:

Kaden wrote a wholesome note you’d expect from a role model big brother: “Jonah, Goof! I couldn’t be more proud. I love you! All 4 the King! Kaden Elliss #55 John 3:16.”

Jonah’s message reflected a taunting younger brother: “Jonah Ellis #52, 1-0.”

Football is family.

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Broncos and Falcons have brothers who will face off on Sunday

Brothers Kaden Elliss (Falcons) and Jonah Elliss (Broncos) are set to face off for the first time in the NFL on Sunday.

Five years ago, Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints used a seventh-round pick to select Idaho linebacker Kaden Elliss in the 2019 NFL draft.

Payton stepped down from his role with the Saints in 2022 and Elliss became a free agent following that season. Payton later joined the Denver Broncos and Ellis signed with the Atlanta Falcons.

This spring, Payton used a third-round pick to select Kaden’s younger brother, Utah pass rusher Jonah Elliss, in the 2024 NFL draft.

It’s quite a football family.

Luther Elliss started the family’s NFL journey by playing as a defensive lineman for the Detroit Lions (1995-2003) and Broncos (2004). Luther and his wife, Rebecca, now have three sons playing in the NFL: Kaden (Atlanta), Jonah (Denver) and Christian (New England Patriots). A fourth son, Noah, spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles from 2022-2024.

“I know it’s a large family,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said Wednesday. “Obviously, the father — I’ve done this long enough, I can recall coaching against their father. We drafted Kaden in New Orleans. [This year], we’re one team away from being on the clock and we’re going to take his brother, but man we’re hoping — I think Atlanta in fact was the pick ahead of us. I turned to George [Paton] and I said, [Terry] Fontenot — Terry is the general manager and was working with us then — ’Terry’s going to draft the brother, I know it.’ They drafted another player and then we were excited obviously to make our selection.

“Then I got a text right away from Kaden. I won’t tell you what it said, but I would say the exposure with Kaden really helped us understand the football mindset as it pertained to the next pick. Now when we drafted Kaden, he was playing a little bit more of an edge. He’s now playing inside, but he’s still a pressure player. If you said, ‘Which of the linebackers pressures the most or blitzes the most?’ He’s the one. That doesn’t mean the others don’t, but he’s a very good pash rusher. He’s really transitioned to a really good inside linebacker. [I’m] proud for him.”

This week, Jonah and Kaden will play against each other for the first time in the NFL. They both play on defense, but the brothers could face off on special teams. You can count on a post-game family photo after the final whistle blows on Sunday afternoon.

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Broncos’ updated OLB depth chart after Baron Browning trade

The Broncos still have plenty of depth at outside linebacker even after trading Baron Browning.

After agreeing to trade pass rusher Baron Browning to the Arizona Cardinals on Monday, the Denver Broncos still have impressive depth at outside linebacker.

The team’s top pass rusher remains Jonathon Cooper, who just signed a four-year, $60 million contract extension. Next up is former second-round draft pick Nik Bonitto, who leads the team with six sacks this season. Cooper (5.5 sacks) and Bonitto will remain Denver’s top edge defenders.

Providing rotational depth behind Cooper and Bonitto are Jonah Ellis, a third-round pick in April, and Dondrea Tillman, a gem from the UFL.

The depth doesn’t stop there. The Broncos also have Andrew Farmer on the practice squad and the team is hopeful that Drew Sanders (Achilles) will be able to return from the physically unable to perform list this season.

Broncos OLB depth chart

OLB1: Jonathon Cooper
OLB2: Nik Bonitto
OLB3: Jonah Ellis
OLB4: Dondrea Tillman 
OLB5: Andrew Farmer
PUP: Drew Sanders

Denver’s still in good shape at the position after parting ways with Browning. The NFL’s trade deadline is 2:00 p.m. MT on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

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Broncos rookie pass rusher Jonah Elliss has ‘very high’ upside

Broncos rookie pass rusher Jonah Elliss dominated in preseason. Now he’ll look to make his mark in the regular season.

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.

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2 Broncos players made PFF’s 2024 All-Preseason Team

Broncos QB Bo Nix and OLB Jonah Elliss made Pro Football Focus’ All-Preseason Team this summer.

Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix and pass rusher Jonah Elliss both made Pro Football Focus‘ All-Preseason Team this summer. While it’s obviously not the equivalent to an All-Pro nod, it is a good sign for the team’s future.

Nix had an excellent preseason, going 23-of-30 passing for 211 yards and two touchdowns while completing just under 77% of his passes. Yes, it was only preseason, but it was enough to land the starting job over Jarrett Stidham.

Elliss also had a strong showing in preseason. The third-round draft pick totaled six pressures, two sacks and one forced fumble in preseason. His pressures also forced two interceptions.

The Broncos will kick off their 2024 NFL season against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Sept. 8. Nix will start in Seattle and Elliss will likely serve as a rotational pass rusher. They both appear to have bright futures in Denver turning in impressive performances in preseason.

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All but one member of the Broncos’ draft class made 53-man roster

“Obviously, time will tell as we get to the regular season, but we like the class so far,” Broncos GM George Paton said.

Six of the seven rookies the Denver Broncos picked in the 2024 NFL draft have made the team’s initial 53-man roster. The only exception was offensive lineman Nick Gargiulo, who was sidelined for much of training camp and preseason due to injury.

Quarterback Bo Nix, pass rusher Jonah Elliss, wide receiver Troy Franklin, cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine, running back Audric Estime and receiver Devaughn Vele all made the active roster.

Three undrafted free agent signees — running back Blake Watson, offensive tackle Frank Crum and linebacker Levelle Bailey — also made the squad.

“We’re encouraged by the rookie class, both the draft picks and the free agents,” Broncos general manager George Paton said during a Zoom call with reporters on Tuesday. “I think it’s nine total is what you said, we just got done. It’s a credit to our personnel departments and our sports performance with the development of these players. Obviously, time will tell as we get to the regular season, but we like the class so far.

“Jonah Elliss is everything we saw in college. [He] plays with his hair on fire and he obviously can rush the passer. He’s gotten better in the run game and he’s gotten stronger, so we like the track that he’s on. Troy Franklin, you see the talent every day. [He’s] a work in progress as a receiver, but he’s learning. You see the speed and the playmaking. We see it in practice. He’s coming on as is Audric Estime. Estime, we liked. He’s strong, he’s big, he’s powerful, he can catch and he can protect.

“Then Kris Abrams-Draine, he was probably the slowest starter in the offseason — a little behind the group. Then he’s caught up quickly as we got through camp and as we got through the games. [He got] more confidence and more playmaking ability. We feel like he’s game-ready if he has to play. [We’re] really encouraged with him.

“Then Vele is mature, as we know. [He] plays like it and plays like a pro. [We] feel like he can play in a game in Seattle if he has too. We like him as well. [With] Gargiulo, just a small sample size.”

Gargiulo figures to have a good chance to make the 17-player practice squad. We will track all of the team’s moves today on Broncos Wire.

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Broncos rolling with 4 pass rushers on initial 53-man roster

After parting with Dondrea Tillman, Thomas Incoom and Durell Nchami, the Broncos have Browning, Cooper, Elliss and Bonitto at OLB.

The Denver Broncos are rolling with four pass rushers on their initial 53-man roster for the 2024 NFL season.

After waiving Dondrea Tillman and Thomas Incoom on Tuesday and moving Durell Nchami to injured reserve, the Broncos are left with Baron Browning, Jonathon Cooper, Jonah Elliss and Nik Bonitto at outside linebacker.

Tillman and Incoom will presumably be priority targets for Denver’s practice squad if they clear waivers. Nchami could potentially reach an injury settlement and return later, or the Broncos could put him on short-term IR with the possibility of returning after four games.

To begin the season, though, Denver is rolling with Browning, Cooper, Elliss and Bonitto. The Broncos could also look to the waiver wire to add depth, but that’s the quartet of pass rushers at the moment.

Denver needs to finalize an initial 53-man roster by 2 p.m. MT today. We are tracking all of the team’s roster moves on Broncos Wire.

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