Nik Bonitto's Tackles Accumulate for the Denver Broncos

In the Denver Broncos’ defensive scheme, tackles are more than just a number—they’re a measure of effort, awareness, and the ability to shut down opposing drives. For third-year linebacker Nik Bonitto, 2025 has been a breakout season in that regard: his 98 total tackles through 15 weeks rank second on the team, and his 18 tackles for loss lead the Broncos and place him in the top 10 among AFC linebackers. What makes Bonitto’s tackle production stand out is its consistency—he’s recorded at least 6 tackles in 11 of 15 games—and its impact: many of his stops come on third down or near the goal line, halting opponents’ momentum. Nik Bonitto's Tackles Accumulate for the Denver Broncos explores how the former second-round draft pick has evolved into a tackle machine, the specific skills driving his success, and why his ability to wrap up ball carriers has become essential to the Broncos’ defensive identity.

Nik Bonitto's Tackles Accumulate for the Denver Broncos begins with his statistical growth, a clear indicator of his rising role in the defense. As a rookie in 2023, Bonitto recorded just 32 tackles in limited snaps, mostly on special teams. In 2024, he doubled that total to 64, but still played behind veterans like Josey Jewell and Alex Singleton. This season, however, Bonitto has stepped into a full-time starting role, and his production has skyrocketed. His 98 tackles are on pace to break the Broncos’ single-season record for tackles by a linebacker (121, set by Bill Romanowski in 1996), and his 18 tackles for loss are the most by a Broncos defender since Von Miller in 2018. “Nik’s growth has been incredible to watch,” said Broncos linebackers coach Peter Hansen. “He’s gone from a player who needed to learn the playbook to a player who’s making split-second decisions and finishing tackles every time. That’s the difference between a role player and a starter.” Bonitto’s statistical leap isn’t just luck—it’s the result of a rigorous offseason routine that included extra film study, strength training focused on lower-body power (to bring down larger running backs), and one-on-one tackling drills with defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.

Nik Bonitto's Tackles Accumulate for the Denver Broncos delves into his signature tackle moments, plays that have turned routine stops into game-changing moments. None was more critical than his performance in Week 7 against the Cleveland Browns, when he recorded 12 tackles—including 3 for loss—and a fourth-down stop that sealed the Broncos’ 24-21 win. The defining play came with 2 minutes left in the fourth quarter, Browns running back Kareem Hunt taking a handoff on fourth-and-1 from the Broncos’ 10-yard line. Bonitto read the play immediately, shot through a gap in the offensive line, and wrapped up Hunt’s legs before he could cross the line of scrimmage. The stop preserved the Broncos’ lead and earned Bonitto AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. The Broncos’ official social media team later released a highlight reel of the tackle, set to commentary from radio announcer Dave Logan: “Bonitto! He’s there! Stops Hunt cold! What a play by the young linebacker!” The clip has since been viewed over 800,000 times, with fans praising Bonitto’s “instincts” and “relentlessness.” Another standout game came in Week 12 against the Kansas City Chiefs, where Bonitto recorded 10 tackles and a tackle for loss that forced the Chiefs to settle for a field goal instead of a touchdown.

Nik Bonitto's Tackles Accumulate for the Denver Broncos examines the skills that make Bonitto such an effective tackler—starting with his football IQ. Unlike some linebackers who rely on speed or strength alone, Bonitto excels at reading offensive formations and anticipating plays before they unfold. He spends 2-3 hours each week studying film of opposing running backs and offensive linemen, noting tendencies like which direction a running back prefers to cut or how an offensive lineman shifts his weight before a run. “Nik doesn’t just run to the ball—he knows where the ball is going before it’s snapped,” Joseph said. “That’s why he’s always in the right place at the right time.” Bonitto also has a knack for wrapping up ball carriers securely, a skill he honed in college at Oklahoma and refined with the Broncos. Instead of reaching for arms or shoulders (which can lead to missed tackles), he focuses on driving his hips into the runner and wrapping his arms around their waist—ensuring they can’t break free for extra yards. For the Denver Broncos, this attention to detail has paid off: Bonitto has missed just 4 tackles all season, a missed tackle rate of 3.9%—well below the league average of 7.2% for linebackers. “Missed tackles can cost you games,” said Broncos head coach Sean Payton. “Nik rarely misses. That’s the kind of consistency you need from a starter.”

Nik Bonitto's Tackles Accumulate for the Denver Broncos explores how his tackle production fits into the Broncos’ broader defensive strategy. The Broncos run a 3-4 defense that relies on linebackers to both rush the passer and stop the run, and Bonitto’s ability to excel at the latter allows the team to be more aggressive elsewhere. For example, when Bonitto is assigned to cover the run, defensive ends Randy Gregory and Jonathan Harris can focus on sacking the quarterback—freeing them from run-stopping duties. This balance was on display in Week 10 against the Buffalo Bills, where Bonitto recorded 9 tackles (2 for loss) and the Broncos’ defensive line sacked Josh Allen 5 times. “Nik’s run-stopping lets us be more flexible,” Joseph said. “We can send extra pass rushers because we know Nik has the run covered. That’s a huge advantage against teams with strong passing attacks.” Bonitto’s tackles also help the Broncos control the clock, forcing opponents to punt quickly and giving the offense more opportunities to score. For the Denver Broncos, which ranks 11th in time of possession this season, every tackle that ends a drive is a win for the entire team. “When Nik makes a tackle on third down, it’s like a turnover,” said Broncos quarterback Bo Nix. “It gives us the ball back and lets us stay on the attack.”

Nik Bonitto's Tackles Accumulate for the Denver Broncos wraps up with the impact of his tackle production on the Broncos’ playoff hopes—and his future with the team. As the Broncos push for a wildcard spot, Bonitto’s ability to stop the run will be critical against playoff contenders like the Baltimore Ravens (who rank third in rushing yards per game) and the Buffalo Bills (who have a balanced run-pass attack). Coaches have already identified Bonitto as a key player in the playoffs, with Payton calling him “one of our most reliable defenders.” Off the field, Bonitto’s breakout season has made him a fan favorite: his jersey sales have jumped 150% since the start of the season, and he’s become a regular at Broncos community events, where kids often ask him to teach them “how to tackle like you do.” For Bonitto himself, the focus remains on winning—not individual stats. “Tackles are great, but what matters is helping the team make the playoffs,” he said. “Every tackle I make is a step toward that goal.” For the Denver Broncos, Nik Bonitto’s accumulating tackles aren’t just a statistical trend—they’re a sign of a young player coming into his own, a defender who can be the backbone of the defense for years to come. As the Broncos head into the final stretch of the season, one thing is clear: when Bonitto is making tackles, the Broncos are a better team.