Broncos' Nik Bonitto praised for 'best get-off' amid ESPN top-10 NFL edge ranking

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The Denver Broncos' defense as a whole unit is one of the best in the NFL, but when it comes to individual talent, Pat Surtain II is the only one who can lay claim to being the best at his position.

But, when it comes to Nik Bonitto, their edge rusher who's progressed each of the last few seasons, has climbed into the NFL's best edge rushers.

According to a poll from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Bonitto ranked inside the top-10 edge rushers in the NFL after scouts, executives, and coaches ranked him as such for a few reasons, one of which being "maybe the best get-off" in the NFL.

Nik Bonitto ranks as top-10 edge in NFL thanks to 'get-off'

"10. Nik Bonitto, Denver Broncos. Highest ranking: 6 | Lowest ranking: Unranked," Fowler shared. "Bonitto, the only pass rusher to make his top 10 debut this year, won a close race with Cleveland's Jared Verse for the 10th spot."

The Broncos' edge rusher has been one of the best edge rushers in the NFL the last few years, and this top-10 distinction from this ESPN poll is a well-earned honor.

While he might only be 10th, it's still a great honor for Bonitto, especially with how he's ahead of players like Trey Hendrickson, Josh Hines-Allen, and Jared Verse.

He earned this honor thanks to his sack-progression in recent years, as he went from 8.0 sacks to 13.5 sacks in 2024 and then 14.0 this past season.

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According to one high-ranking personnel evaluator in the NFL, "He's got maybe the best get-off in the league. Serious closing speed. He's on quarterbacks as soon as the ball's snapped. Good spin move and excellent lower-body flexibility."

There's plenty to like about Bonitto's game, though Fowler pointed out how some knocked him down a bit thanks to his "lack of raw power and run-game prowess."

But, those are things the 26-year-old edge can get better at in 2026 to rise even further up these NFL edge rusher rankings when they're conducted next offseason.

The Broncos' veteran edge has been in the NFL for just four years, and he has 37 sacks, with each year his sack total increasing. If he takes another step, Bonitto could challenge for the Defensive Player of the Year, especially on a great Broncos defense.