After a promising rookie season that noticed Jonah Elliss whole 5 sacks, expectations have been excessive in 12 months two for the Broncos go rusher. He was nonetheless a reserve go rusher behind starters Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper, however seemed to repeat or enhance on the numbers he had final season. Sadly, because of accidents, Elliss performed in simply 13 video games for the Broncos and would solely whole 2.5 sacks.
In whole, Elliss performed 318 snaps on protection, which got here out to be 38% of the defensive snaps final season, and 254 particular groups snaps, which got here out to be 72% of the particular snaps the Broncos performed final season. Throughout these 13 video games, Elliss totaled 28 tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, 5 QB hits, 1 compelled fumble, and 1 go deflection.
Now, in 12 months 3 with the Broncos, Elliss doubtlessly has the chance to earn a beginning function on the defensive aspect of the ball. Attributable to Jonathon Cooper’s off-the-field authorized points and potential suspension, Elliss may very well be the following man as much as begin alongside Nik Bonitto on the sting within the Broncos high ranked protection that has led the NFL in sacks in back-to-back years.
The group did flirt with transferring Elliss inside to linebacker on a restricted foundation, however gave that up and determined that he’s just too good on the sting to maneuver him. Additionally, in line with stories, Elliss was a standout participant throughout Broncos minicamp. He’s identified for his spin transfer and confirmed it off in apply throughout a group rep in opposition to beginning proper deal with Mike McGlinchey and received by him immediately for what would have been a fast sack on the quarterback.
Elliss has expertise, however as a result of depth at edge rusher, he has been a rotational edge rusher coming off the bench. Nevertheless, with Cooper’s standing up within the air, Elliss might get a possibility to win the job and never look again.
Jonah Elliss | Edge Rusher | Denver Broncos
Peak: 6-2Weight: 242 poundsAge: 23 years oldExperience: third NFL season2025 stats: 28 tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, 5 QB hits, 1 compelled fumble, and 1 go deflection
Jonah Elliss’s outlook with the Denver Broncos
He’s going to be an enormous a part of the Broncos’ go rush.
With Jonathon Cooper coping with authorized points, a probable suspension, and doubtlessly even being minimize by the group, Elliss has an opportunity to be the Broncos’ beginning edge rusher alongside Nik Bonitto.
The previous third-round decide has been a strong rotational piece off the bench and has flashed actual potential at instances, however now may see his function develop considerably. I might search for Elliss and second-year edge rusher Que Robinson to each get a possibility to push for the beginning job no matter what occurs with Cooper. Each younger gamers have flashed potential throughout their quick instances within the league, and Cooper’s off-the-field points have opened the door for each gamers to doubtlessly pounce on this chance.
DENVER, COLORADO – OCTOBER 26: Jonah Elliss #52 of the Denver Broncos walks the sphere through the fourth quarter in opposition to the Dallas Cowboys at Empower Discipline at Mile Excessive on October 26, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Picture by Brooke Sutton/Getty Photos) Getty Photos
As for Elliss particularly, I wish to see a extra constant go rush from him. His sack numbers dipped to simply 2.5 final season, and whereas he nonetheless received after the quarterback when he performed, he might want to up that sack whole. The Broncos have led the NFL in sacks in back-to-back seasons; Cooper was good for 10 or so sacks a 12 months, and the Broncos are a reputable Tremendous Bowl contender. If Elliss have been to see an elevated function, he would wish to up his sport as a result of the Broncos can’t afford to see a dip from their go rush this season. They already misplaced John Franklin-Myers and try to exchange his manufacturing with younger gamers, and will must do the identical with Cooper on the sting.
Earlier than all of the Cooper stuff went down, I might have stated that Elliss would doubtless have an identical function to the one he has had lately. He has confirmed to be a strong off-the-bench rotational edge who can get after the quarterback and set the sting within the run sport. Now, he might have a possibility to be a starter for the Broncos, and we’ll see if he can make the most of the scenario and run away with the beginning job.
The Cooper scenario definitely clouds the Broncos’ edge rusher room a bit. We don’t know when he will likely be again, if he will likely be again, and he’s doubtless going through a suspension regardless. Within the meantime, it does open the door for Jonah Elliss and Que Robinson to push for a beginning job on protection.
I’m personally increased on Que Robinson’s potential proper now, however Elliss remains to be a reasonably darn good soccer participant. He has had a very good offseason per stories, remains to be solely 23 years outdated, and may very well be on the verge of taking that subsequent step in his profession. He’s a relentless go rusher with a motor that doesn’t give up and a nasty spin transfer that he can use at any second.
The fact of the scenario is that the Broncos are going to want each gamers in addition to Dondrea Tillman and doubtlessly even Drew Sanders or whoever else joins them within the edge rusher room. Having a powerful go rush is essential to a Tremendous Bowl group, and the Broncos are going to want their younger guys to step up in the event that they need to make a deep run within the postseason and win a Tremendous Bowl.
