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4 Denver Broncos trade-up targets in 2022 NFL Draft

By Graham Tiedtke

Denver Broncos GM George Paton introduces Nathaniel Hackett, who has agreed to terms to become the club’s head coach at a press conference at UC Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Leyba-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos GM George Paton introduces Nathaniel Hackett, who has agreed to terms to become the club’s head coach at a press conference at UC Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Leyba-USA TODAY Sports /
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Denver Broncos
NORMAN, OK – NOVEMBER 20: Quarterback Brock Purdy #15 of the Iowa State Cyclones cuts back after looking for an opening against outside linebacker Nik Bonitto #11 of the Oklahoma Sooners in the first quarter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 20, 2021 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners won 28-21. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

Denver Broncos trade-up target: Edge rusher Nik Bonitto

We start off with one of my favorite draft prospects in this year’s class. Nik Bonitto posted three tremendous seasons at Oklahoma, sacking the quarterback 19.5 times, 115 tackles, and 33 tackles for loss.

In 2020, Bonitto was second on the Sooners’ team with 11.5 tackles for loss.

Bonitto utilized the red-shirt rule in 2018, only appearing in two games, but that didn’t seem to be an issue as far as his potential future in the sport. He’ll easily be a second-round selection and the Denver Broncos should be all over him.

He has fantastic athleticism. Even when knocked down, he can get back up with ease and be in the mix to make plays.

Bonitto was a menace on third down during the 2021 season. Per Pro Football Focus, he was the second-highest-graded edge rusher on that down with a grade of 91.9. Just Kingsley Enagbare was ahead of him at 92.4.

That’s key because one of the biggest keys as a defense is to get off the field quickly. The way you do that? Make plays on third down.

Bonitto isn’t going to be a Von Miller-type player (who really is?) but he has been compared to linebacker Vic Beasley, who was a top-10 pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 2015. Beasley went on to record 37.5 sacks including a 15.5-sack season with the Falcons in 2016.

In a division with Patrick Mahomes, Derek Carr, and Justin Herbert, having depth at edge rusher is essential. Bonitto would be absolutely perfect for the Broncos.

I enjoy seeing Bonitto’s versatility. He can be all over the field, playing various roles on defense. I’m all for seeing what Ejiro Evero can do to utilize Bonitto’s skill set.

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