Denver Broncos mock draft: Adding depth, eventual starters

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Denver Broncos mock draft: Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto #11 of the Oklahoma Sooners sacks quarterback Adrian Martinez #2 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers on the last drive of the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 18, 2021 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma won 23-16. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

Denver Broncos 2022 mock draft: 64th pick

Nik Bonitto out of Oklahoma is an ascending edge rusher who I absolutely love. I believe that he will surprise people and make some teams wish they did not pass on him. His fall stops at the Denver Broncos and pick 64.

Bonitto has several different pass rush moves he can utilize on offensive tackles and with his speed, can make offensive tackles look silly. He reminds me a little bit of Von Miller in that regard.

Bonitto stands at 6-foot-3, 248 pounds, nearly identical to Miller (6-foot-3, 250 pounds).

The Broncos, who hold the last pick in the second round, will likely have to trade up in order to select Bonitto, who is climbing up draft boards. It’s no surprise.

Although I did suggest that Bonitto used his freshman season as a redshirt year, I would put money on him being a sure-fire first-round pick had he played the entire year in 2018.

Bonitto would bring a lot of attention to the Broncos’ defense. The team already had stars at pass rusher in Bradley Chubb and Randy Gregory. Adding another guy who can get to the quarterback or backfield with ease is a no-brainer move in my eyes.

After all, the Broncos are in a division that consists of several star quarterbacks who know how to make plays despite oncoming pressure. Adding Bonitto would bring even more consistent pressure if either Gregory or Chubb needed a play or two off.

In an NFL.com mock draft from February, Chad Reuter had the Denver Broncos selecting Bonitto at pick number 40. That would be a slam-dunk move.

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