The Denver Broncos have one of the most dangerous pass rushes in the NFL, thanks to their linebacker duo, Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper.

Since both players are coming back for the 2026 season, the Broncos' defense is expected to stay at the top of the rankings. According to an ESPN report, former Broncos legend Von Miller praised Bonitto’s incredible speed at the start of each play. 

“That's how you come off the ball, he's first over and over again. All those guys [Jonathon] Cooper, Zach Allen ... they have the get-off. They win the first step. But Nik Bonitto, he may not even know why he is so good yet because he's young. But it's good," Miller said.

Nik Bonitto doesn't always get the national attention he deserves. Nevertheless, he had a breakout year in 2024 with 13.5 sacks and followed it up in 2025 with 14 sacks.

These two have been called the best edge-rushing pair in football, helping Denver lead the entire league in sacks for two years in a row.

While Jonathon Cooper is known more for being a steady and versatile athlete, his stats are impressive. For the past three years, he has recorded at least 50 tackles and eight sacks. 

Together, Bonitto and Cooper are a nightmare for quarterbacks. Over the last two seasons, they have combined for a massive 46 sacks. 

With these two leading the way, Denver’s defense remains one of the toughest units in the league. 

Broncos Enter the Upcoming Season With A Strong Defensive Line

The Denver Broncos have built a solid unit of defensive players who specialize in chasing down quarterbacks. Two of their best linebacker, Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper, were drafted by the team and have grown into stars.

They are joined by edge rusher, Zach Allen, a smart addition the team brought in 2023. Ever since then, he has recorded 159 combined and 20.5 sacks.

In the middle of the defensive line, the team consists of "big men" like DJ Jones and Malcolm Roach. Even though they lost Dre Greenlaw, the Broncos have young newcomers like Sai'vion Jones and Tyler Onyedim ready to step up and take over.

The team also has depth in their linebacker chart with players like Dondrea Tillman and Que Robinson. Since 2023, the main trio of Bonitto, Cooper, and Allen has put up massive numbers, including 83 sacks and 232 hits on quarterbacks. 

With the cornerback room anchored by the former Defensive Player of the Year, Pat Surtain II, the young core of the Broncos' defense will continue their dominant momentum in the upcoming season.

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Written by

Aaindri Thakuri

Edited by

Rishab Nandi