Nik Bonitto's Veteran Moves Benefit the Denver Broncos

In the Denver Broncos’ standout 2024 season, edge rusher Nik Bonitto has emerged as a surprise force—not just for his athleticism, but for the “veteran moves” he brings to the field, despite being only in his third NFL season. Bonitto, a former second-round pick, has shed the “young player” label this year, using refined technique, pre-snap intelligence, and clutch decision-making to elevate the Broncos’ defense. His ability to read offenses, adjust his pass-rush approach on the fly, and deliver in high-pressure moments has made him a key piece of the Broncos’ elite defensive unit. Nik Bonitto's Veteran Moves Benefit the Denver Broncos explores how these mature on-field choices have impacted the team’s success, from disrupting quarterbacks to stabilizing the edge rush rotation.

One of Bonitto’s most valuable veteran moves is his refined pass-rush technique, which has replaced raw athleticism with calculated precision—letting him beat offensive tackles consistently without relying on speed alone. Early in his career, Bonitto often relied on his 4.54-second 40-yard dash speed to blow past linemen, but this season, he’s added a repertoire of veteran-inspired moves: a “swim move” to slip past blockers’ arms, a “spin move” to counter overcommitting tackles, and a “bull rush” to overpower smaller linemen. For example, in the Broncos’ Week 10 win over the San Francisco 49ers, Bonitto faced 49ers right tackle Colton McKivitz—a player known for handling speed rushers. Instead of relying on his usual burst, Bonitto used a slow, deliberate setup, faking a speed rush before switching to a swim move that let him slip past McKivitz for a sack. This type of adaptive technique is rare for a third-year player; most edge rushers take 4-5 seasons to master such nuanced moves. Broncos defensive line coach Marcus Dixon praised Bonitto’s growth, saying, “Nik’s not just running past guys anymore—he’s outthinking them. That’s the mark of a veteran, and it’s made him impossible to game-plan for.” Nik Bonitto's Veteran Moves Benefit the Denver Broncos highlights that this technical maturity has turned Bonitto from a role player into a reliable pass-rush threat, contributing 7 sacks and 12 quarterback hits through 14 games.

Another veteran move that benefits the Broncos is Bonitto’s pre-snap intelligence—his ability to read offensive formations and predict plays, letting him get a jump on the action before the ball is snapped. Bonitto spends hours studying film each week, memorizing the tendencies of opposing offensive linemen: which tackles lean left when setting up for a speed rush, which guards shift their weight early on run plays, and which formations signal a blitz pickup. This preparation pays off on the field; Bonitto has recorded 3 “quick sacks” this season—sacks where he beats his blocker within 2 seconds of the snap—by anticipating the play. In the Week 12 win over the Buffalo Bills, Bonitto noticed Bills right tackle Spencer Brown shifting his feet toward the left (a tell for a run block) before the snap. Bonitto adjusted immediately, staying home instead of rushing the passer, and made a tackle for loss on Bills running back James Cook. This type of pre-snap awareness is a hallmark of veteran players, who use film study to turn split-second decisions into game-changing plays. Nik Bonitto's Veteran Moves Benefit the Denver Broncos notes that Bonitto’s ability to “play fast without thinking fast” has made the Broncos’ edge rush more efficient, as he rarely wastes energy on misread plays.

For the Denver Broncos, Bonitto’s veteran-like composure in critical moments—especially in the fourth quarter—has been a game-changer, as he consistently delivers plays that secure wins when the pressure is highest. Unlike many young players who shrink in late-game situations, Bonitto thrives in them; he’s recorded 4 of his 7 sacks in the fourth quarter, including 2 game-sealing takedowns. The most memorable example came in the Broncos’ Week 14 win over the Washington Commanders, when the Commanders trailed 31-17 and faced a fourth-and-10 with 1:45 left. Bonitto lined up against Commanders right tackle Andrew Wylie, who had blocked him successfully earlier in the game. This time, Bonitto stayed calm, faking a bull rush before using a spin move to get past Wylie and sack quarterback Sam Howell, forcing a turnover on downs that ended the Commanders’ comeback hopes. After the play, Bonitto didn’t celebrate wildly—instead, he walked back to the huddle, a quiet confidence that belied his years. For the Denver Broncos, this clutch composure is invaluable; it gives the team a reliable option to shut down opponents in the final minutes, a trait usually reserved for seasoned veterans. Nik Bonitto's Veteran Moves Benefit the Denver Broncos explores how Bonitto’s ability to handle pressure has made the Broncos’ defense more dangerous in close games, a key factor in their nine-game win streak.

The Denver Broncos’ defensive scheme has also benefited from Bonitto’s veteran move of adapting his role to fit the team’s needs—even when it means sacrificing individual stats for the greater good. This season, defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has used Bonitto in a variety of roles: as a traditional edge rusher, a stand-up linebacker in passing situations, and even a run-stopper in short-yardage sets. Unlike some young players who complain about position changes, Bonitto has embraced the versatility, using his film study to master each role quickly. For example, when Joseph asked Bonitto to play stand-up linebacker against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 6, Bonitto spent extra time practicing coverage drills, even though it meant fewer pass-rush opportunities. His effort paid off; Bonitto recorded a pass breakup in coverage that game, helping the Broncos hold Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce to 45 receiving yards. This willingness to adapt is a veteran trait, as it shows an understanding that team success comes before personal glory. For the Denver Broncos, Bonitto’s versatility has made the defense more flexible, as Joseph can rotate him into different roles without worrying about a drop-off in performance. Nik Bonitto's Veteran Moves Benefit the Denver Broncos emphasizes that this selflessness has not only improved the defense but also set a positive example for younger players on the roster.

Finally, Bonitto’s veteran moves have benefited the Denver Broncos by mentoring the team’s younger defensive players, passing on the same techniques and game intelligence that he’s learned in his short but impactful career. Rookie edge rusher Thomas Incoom, a seventh-round pick, has worked closely with Bonitto, who has shared his film study notes, demonstrated pass-rush moves, and given advice on handling the mental aspects of the NFL. Incoom has credited Bonitto with his early success, including a sack in Week 13 against the Arizona Cardinals. “Nik doesn’t just teach you how to rush the passer—he teaches you how to think like a veteran,” Incoom said in a recent interview. “He shows you how to read a tackle’s body language, how to adjust when a play isn’t working, and how to stay calm when things get tough.” This mentorship is a rare quality in a third-year player, as most young athletes are still focused on their own development. For the Denver Broncos, Bonitto’s willingness to lift up his teammates has strengthened the defensive unit’s chemistry and depth, ensuring that the team remains competitive even when key players are injured. Nik Bonitto's Veteran Moves Benefit the Denver Broncos concludes that while Bonitto may not have the years of experience of some of his teammates, his veteran moves—on and off the field—have made him an indispensable part of the Broncos’ success. As the team chases the AFC No. 1 seed and a Super Bowl run, Bonitto’s mature play will continue to be a critical factor in their quest for a championship.