Former Sooners star Nik Bonitto makes monumental NFL Top 100 Players debut

After being rather unknown this time last year, Denver Broncos linebacker and former Oklahoma Sooner Nik Bonitto is now considered among the NFL's best after a breakout 2024.

Bonitto made his first career appearance in the NFL Top 100 Players at No. 38 entering just his fourth pro season.

Broncos LB Nik Bonitto debuts in NFL Top 100 Players

Last season was Bonitto's first as a consistent starter after filling in because of an injury Week 2. Bonitto took advantage of the opportunity and emerged as a backbone of the Broncos' defense while making his first Pro Bowl and being named Second-Team All-Pro. He recorded 48 tackles, 24 quarterback hits, 16 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and 13.5 sacks, which was the third-most in the NFL last season. He was the first Bronco to tally double-digit sacks in a single season since 2018.

Bonitto also became a ball hawk despite coming off the edge. In Week 13, on Monday Night Football, Bonitto intercepted then-Cleveland Browns QB Jameis Winston and returned it for a 70-yard touchdown.

Then, just two weeks later, he ruined the Indianapolis Colts' attempt at a double-pass by picking it off and finding the end zone again.

With one year left on his rookie contract, Bonitto is expected to solidify himself as one of the best defenders in the NFL this season and also get a massive payday. In the Broncos' first preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers, Bonitto had three QB pressures and 1.5 sacks.

Bonitto was the fifth former OU player to be included in the 2025 NFL Top 100 Players after Creed Humphrey (93), Joe Mixon (58), Baker Mayfield (50) and Trent Williams (45). More Sooners are still awaiting their spots, too, with Jalen Hurts, Lane Johnson and CeeDee Lamb all expected to be high on the list. If Marvin Mims also makes the cut, then Sooners will make up nearly 10% of the best players in the NFL.

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