Nik Bonitto Ranked 32nd In Nfl’s Top 100

Another player on the Denver Broncos has earned a spot in the NFL’s Top Players of 2026 list. Fifth-year edge rusher Nik Bonitto comes in at 32nd this year. That’s a six-spot leap from last year’s rankings.

Other Broncos that have made the list thus far are left tackle Garett Bolles (42nd), quarterback Bo Nix (59th), wide receiver Courtland Sutton (68th), and defensive lineman Zach Allen (73rd). Two other players who have not been ranked but certainly will are offensive guard Quinn Meinerz and shutdown cornerback Patrick Surtain II.

After a quiet start to his NFL career, the fifth-year pro has made monumental strides the past three seasons. In 2025, Bonitto had a career high 14 sacks. Additionally, he posted 14 tackles for loss and 28 quarterback hits. With that type of production, there is no doubt he is one of the best pass rushers in football.

According to SIS Data Hub, Bonitto had an impressive 74 quarterback pressures last season. That’s 26 more than his previous career high of 48 in 2024. Additionally, Bonitto’s 20.5-percent pressure rate ranked second in the NFL. A second-round draft pick out of Oklahoma in the 2022 NFL Draft; he has developed into one of the league’s most dominant defenders.

Last September, the Broncos rewarded him with a four-year extension worth $106 million dollars with just shy of $39 million guaranteed. With a flurry of edge defenders recently receiving new contracts since then, Bonitto’s extension looks like a bargain. As of now, his contract ranks fifteenth amongst all edge defenders in average annual value, and his total guarantees are essentially half of those ahead of him.

Through four seasons, Bonitto has amassed 138 tackles, 44 tackles for loss, and 37 sacks. He also has a pick-six and six forced fumbles. His ascent is key reason why the Broncos have led the league in sacks the past two seasons and become one of the NFL’s top defenses. Denver will need him to play at a high level again in 2026 to make their Super Bowl aspirations come true.