Tag: Nik Bonitto

Available free agent pass rushers for the Broncos in 2024

The Broncos need more from their pass rush in 2024. Here are some edge defenders they could target during free agency.

The Denver Broncos need to get more from their pass rush in 2024. Jonathon Cooper led the team with 8.5 sacks last season, followed by Nik Bonitto (8.0 sacks). Those are fine numbers for rotational players, but Denver needs an elite edge defender.

Baron Browning has the potential to emerge as a top pass rusher in 2024, but injuries have prevented him from having a breakout season thus far. The Broncos will likely look to add reinforcements to the outside linebacker room this spring, so we’ve put together a quick list of 16 pass rushers the team could consider during NFL free agency next week.

Which Sooners could have been on the cover of EA Sports NCAA football during its absence?

With EA Sports NCAA Football returning, which Oklahoma Sooners could have graced the cover during their hiatus since 2015.

EA Sports did what many thought was impossible by announcing it would bring back its college football video game series. After a hiatus that will have spanned at least 10 years come July, the newest version of the beloved game series will return sometime in the summer of 2024.

The last one to drop before the series ended came out in July 2013. NCAA 14 is one of the most iconic sports video games of all time because of the attachment many have to it. Its resale value has never been higher.

The reason for the original cancellation of the series? Name, image and likeness — a hot-button topic that eventually led to NIL being accepted into collegiate sports.

EA Sports couldn’t figure out how to compensate players because it wasn’t legal in that era of collegiate athletics. That hurdle has been cleared and the game looks headed for a summer release date.

Who gets the distinction of being the game’s cover athlete in its resurrection? It’s always a fun and exciting debate when new sports games come out. Former Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson graced NCAA 14’s cover. Since the last game, college football has had iconic athletes that would’ve been perfect fits to be cover athletes.

Our friends at College Wire went through and named which players they thought would have been great fits as cover athletes for the years we didn’t have a game. We decided to do the same, but only with Oklahoma players for those years. Take a look below.

Broncos’ sack leaders from 2023 season

Jonathon Cooper (8.5) led the Broncos in sacks in 2023, followed by Nik Bonitto (8.0) and Zach Allen (5.0).

The days of Von Miller recording double-digit sacks seem like a distant memory for Denver Broncos fans.

The Broncos are going to need more from their pass rush in 2024 after an underwhelming campaign from Baron Browning, Jonathon Cooper and Nik Bonitto last fall.

In terms of sacks, Denver’s third-best pass rusher this season was Zach Allen, an interior defensive lineman who recorded five sacks in 2023. That’s a good total for a defensive tackle, but the fact that the Broncos did not have a third edge defender with five or more sacks is alarming.

Consequently, bringing in a top pass rusher should be a priority for Denver this offseason. Before free agency and the draft arrive, here’s a quick look back at the Broncos’ leaders in sacks from the 2023 season.

Broncos need more from their pass rush in 2024

The Broncos did not have any players with double-digit sacks in 2024 and the defense ranked 22nd out of 32 teams with 42 total sacks.

The Denver Broncos totaled 42 sacks in 2023, tied for the 11th-lowest total in the NFL, and the worst total in the AFC West. Elsewhere in the division, the Las Vegas Raiders (46 sacks), Los Angeles Chargers (48 sacks) and Kansas City Chiefs (57 sacks) got more production from their pass rushers.

The Broncos will need more from their edge defenders in 2024. Part of the problem in 2023 was leaning on Randy Gregory and Frank Clark early in the year. Both players were off the team by mid-season.

Another hindrance was Baron Browning’s meniscus tear that sidelined him for the first six games of the campaign. After he returned from that injury, Browning had modest production, totaling 4.5 sacks in 10 games.

Jonathon Cooper (8.5 sacks) and Nik Bonitto (8.0 sacks) were the team’s most productive pass rushers in 2023, but both of them might be better suited for a rotational rusher role instead of a regular starting gig.

If Browning is able to reach his potential in 2024, Denver could pair him with a high-profile pass rusher. Cooper and Bonitto would be excellent rotation options in such a scenario. If Browning never turns into the kind of pass rusher the Broncos hope he can be, Denver will eventually need two starting-caliber edge defenders.

The Broncos are set to select 12th overall in the 2024 NFL draft and that might be an ideal place to land a top pass rusher. Recent mock drafts have Denver landing Laiatu Latu, Jared Verse and Chop Robinson at that spot. Whether it’s one of those options or another prospect, the Broncos would be wise to bring in a high-profile pass rusher in 2024.

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Broncos OLB Jonathon Cooper within reach of 10-sack season

The Broncos haven’t had a pass rusher post double-digit sacks in a season since 2018. Jonathon Cooper has one game left to change that.

Denver Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper has recorded a sack in three straight games and he now leads the team with 8.5 sacks in 2023.

With 1.5 more sacks against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Cooper would become the team’s first pass rusher to record 10 sacks since 2018.

“I feel like with my teammates and coaches believing in me and the type of player that I am — I feel like my goal for this season was eight or ten,” Cooper said. “I’m trying to get to double digits, trying to get to that ten mark. I’m going to keep rocking. Keep going. I’m really happy for myself but I’m more happy with these wins that we’re getting. Any way I can help the team win is what I’m trying to do.”

The Broncos’ most recent pass rushers to finish a season with double-digit sacks were Elvis Dumervil (2007, 2009, 2012), Von Miller (2011-12; 2014-18), Shaun Phillips (2013) DeMarcus Ware (2014) and Bradley Chubb (2018). That’s impressive company that Cooper hopes to join.

Fellow pass rusher Nik Bonitto is three sacks away from reaching 10. Both have a shot at double digits, but Cooper’s chances are higher.

“He’s playing well, and it’s really important to him,” coach Sean Payton said of Cooper’s quest for ten sacks.

Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell has been sacked 22 times this season in nine starts, an average of 2.44 sacks per contest. Cooper will aim to add to that total on Sunday.

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Broncos inactives: 7 players won’t suit up vs. Patriots

Broncos inactives vs. Patriots tonight: Ben DiNucci, Nik Bonitto, JL Skinner, Nate Adkins, Thomas Incoom, Alex Forsyth and Elijah Garcia.

The Denver Broncos have announced their list of seven inactive players for a Christmas Eve showdown with the New England Patriots in Week 16.

Broncos quarterback Ben DiNucci, outside linebacker Nik Bonitto (knee), safety JL Skinner, tight end/fullback Nate Adkins, outside linebacker Thomas Incoom, center Alex Forsyth and defensive lineman Elijah Garcia won’t suit up today.

Those seven inactive players are members of the 53-man roster who are not eligible to play against the Patriots on Sunday night.

Elsewhere on the roster front, Denver elevated DiNucci and outside linebacker Ronnie Perkins from the practice squad to the game-day roster on Saturday. The Broncos did not activate safety Kareem Jackson to the 53-man roster following his return from a four-game suspension.

Sunday’s game will be nationally televised on NFL Network. Kickoff for the Denver-New England showdown is set for 6:15 p.m. MT. Football fans can stream the Broncos-Patriots game on fuboTV (try it free).

See photos of each of the team’s inactive players below.

Broncos injury report: Nik Bonitto ruled out for Patriots game

The Broncos have ruled out OLB Nik Bonitto (knee) and TE Greg Dulcich (hamstring/foot) for Sunday’s game against the Patriots.

The Denver Broncos have ruled out pass rusher Nik Bonitto (knee) and tight end Greg Dulcich (hamstring/foot) for Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots on Christmas Eve.

With Bonitto sidelined, Drew Sanders and Thomas Incoom will likely serve as the team’s rotational pass rushers behind starters Baron Browning and Jonathon Cooper in Week 16.

Meanwhile, Adam Trautman, Chris Manhertz and Lucas Krull will be the team’s tight end options against the Patriots.

The team’s final injury report can be seen below.

Player Wed Thur Fri Game Status
OLB Nik Bonitto (knee) DNP DNP DNP Out
TE Greg Dulcich (hamstring/foot) DNP DNP DNP Out
RB Samaje Perine (rest) DNP Full Full
OLB Jonathon Cooper (ankle) Limited Full Full
OT Alex Palczewski (knee) Limited Full Full Out
DL Mike Purcell (rest) Not listed DNP Full
TE Chris Manhertz (rest) Not listed DNP Full

Playing at home, the Broncos are considered six-point favorites against the Patriots this week.

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Broncos injuries: Nik Bonitto still sidelined

Broncos OLB Nik Bonitto (knee) and TE Greg Dulcich (hamstring/foot) were held out of Thursday’s practice.

Denver Broncos outside linebacker Nik Bonitto (knee) missed practice again Thursday after previously sitting out Wednesday’s session. His chances of suiting up against the New England Patriots on Sunday seem slim.

Meanwhile, Broncos tight end Greg Dulcich (hamstring/foot) also remains sidelined. Denver coach Sean Payton said earlier this week that he expects Dulcich to play again this season, but the tight end does not appear to be trending toward playing in Week 16.

The team’s complete Thursday injury report can be seen below (DNP = did not participate).

Player Wed Thur Fri Game Status
OLB Nik Bonitto (knee) DNP DNP
TE Greg Dulcich (hamstring/foot) DNP DNP
RB Samaje Perine (rest) DNP Full
OLB Jonathon Cooper (ankle) Limited Full
OT Alex Palczewski (knee) Limited Full
DL Mike Purcell (rest) Not listed DNP
TE Chris Manhertz (rest) Not listed DNP

The Broncos will practice again on Friday before releasing a final injury report with game statuses for a Christmas Eve showdown against the Patriots.

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Broncos injury report: P.J. Locke questionable for Lions game

Broncos safety P.J. Locke was limited at Thursday’s practice and he is listed as questionable for Saturday’s game against the Lions.

Denver Broncos safety P.J. Locke (neck) is listed as questionable for Saturday’s game against the Detroit Lions on the team’s injury report. Locke was limited on Thursday after being held out of practice Wednesday.

Elsewhere on the injury front, Broncos outside linebacker Nik Bonitto (knee) and tight end Greg Dulcich (hamstring/foot) have been ruled out for Week 15.

Denver coach Sean Payton was asked Wednesday about Dulcich’s status and if Bonitto is a candidate to go on injured reserve.

“No, no,” Payton said. “We’ll keep you posted, though, with Bonitto and tight ends starting or playing and all that stuff. We’ll let you know.”

Bonitto has served as the team’s top rotational pass rusher this season behind starters Baron Browning and Jonathon Cooper. The top candidate to fill his role on Saturday is rookie Drew Sanders.

The Broncos have less depth at safety. Delarrin Turner-Yell and rookie JL Skinner are the only backup safeties on the active roster. Denver also has Dallin Leavitt and Devon Key available on the practice squad.

The Broncos’ final injury report with game statuses can be seen below.

Player Tue* Wed Thur Game Status
OLB Nik Bonitto (knee) DNP DNP DNP Out
DB P.J. Locke (neck) DNP DNP Limited Questionable
OLB Jonathon Cooper (ankle) Limited Limited Limited
OG Quinn Meinerz (illness) Full Full Full
RB Samaje Perine (knee) Full DNP (rest) Full
TE Greg Dulcich (hamstring/foot) Not listed Full DNP Out
DL Mike Purcell (NIR-rest) Not listed Not listed DNP
TE Chris Manhertz (NIR-rest) Not listed Not listed Limited

*Tuesday’s injury report was estimated because the team did not practice.

Playing on the road, the Broncos are considered underdogs against the Detroit Lions in Week 15.

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Broncos injuries: Greg Dulcich returns to practice

Broncos TE Greg Dulcich (hamstring) returned to practice Wednesday, starting his 21-day window to return to the 53-man roster.

Denver Broncos tight end Greg Dulcich (hamstring) returned to practice Wednesday, starting a 21-day window for him to return to the 53-man roster. If the Broncos do not activate Dulcich to the 53-man roster within the next three weeks, he will remain on injured reserve for the rest of the season (one week plus any potential playoff games).

Meanwhile, after being an estimated non-participant on Tuesday, Denver Broncos safety P.J. Locke (neck) did not participate Wednesday. Broncos pass rusher Nik Bonitto (knee) also remains sidelined.

If Bonitto is not cleared in time for Saturday’s game, Drew Sanders would likely be in line for more rotational snaps at outside linebacker. Ronnie Perkins might be a candidate for rotational snaps as well.

At safety, Delarrin Turner-Yell is next up on the depth chart behind Locke.

Elsewhere on the injury front, outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper (ankle) was limited again and running back Samaje Perine (knee) was given a rest day.

View the team’s full Wednesday injury report below.

Player Tue* Wed Thur Game Status
OLB Nik Bonitto (knee) DNP DNP
DB P.J. Locke (neck) DNP DNP
OLB Jonathon Cooper (ankle) Limited Limited
OG Quinn Meinerz (illness) Full Full
RB Samaje Perine (knee) Full DNP (rest)
TE Greg Dulcich (hamstring) Not listed Full

*Tuesday’s injury report was estimated because the team did not practice.

Denver will practice again on Thursday before releasing a final injury report with game statuses for Saturday’s game against the Detroit Lions.

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