With the 64th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos selected linebacker Nik Bonitto from Oklahoma.
The 64th pick was the Broncos' first selection of the 2022 Draft after they sent a haul of picks to the Seattle Seahawks for QB Russell Wilson.
After the departure of Von Miller, the Broncos found themselves rather thin in the pass-rushing department. During 2022 free agency, the team signed Randy Gregory to a multi-year deal. The Broncos also have Malik Reed, Bradley Chubb, and Jonathon Cooper in the outside linebacker room.
Per PFF, Bonitto had the highest pass-rush win rate in the country in 2020. Statistically, he was one of the most consistent and productive outside linebackers in college with a 93.6 pass-rushing grade in 2020 and a 92.5 grade in 2021.
In 39 career games, Bonitto registered 117 tackles. Of those tackles, 68 were solo tackles and 32 were tackles for a loss. He tallied 18.5 sacks, 24 QB hurries, one forced fumble, and 3 fumble recoveries.
The addition of Bonitto will certainly help pad the Broncos' outside linebacker depth chart. He most likely won't be a starter in his rookie season, but he will play some snaps in relief of Chubb and Gregory. He will be a welcome and explosive addition to the Broncos' pass-rushing core.
Selection Grade: B+
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