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Broncos' Defenders Named Top Pass-Rushing Duo in NFL

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nelson Hubbell | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 6:00 PM ET

The Denver Broncos and Jonathan Cooper and Nik Bonitto stand atop the NFL with the most potent edge duo entering this year, according to Bleacher Report's Matt Holder.

The two linebackers accounted for 24 sacks in 2024, the most by any duo in the league. Bonitto exploded onto the scene with 13.5 sacks, earning a Pro Bowl nod and Second-Team All‑Pro honors, while Cooper delivered 10.5 sacks to finish tied for 12th in the NFL.

"These two were some of the most consistent edge-rushers in the NFL last year," Holder said. "Their potential moving forward is through the roof."

Bonitto was a second-round pick in 2022 out of the Oklahoma, while Cooper was taken in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Ohio State and is now far and away outperforming his expectations.

Cooper and Bonitto helped carry Denver to a league-leading 63 team sacks, nine more than the Baltimore Ravens who finished second (54), but there are 38 more sacks to account for across the team.

"The Broncos have one of the best combos of interior pass-rushers in Zach Allen (25 career sacks in six seasons) and John Franklin-Myers (26.5 sacks in six seasons), and a young, promising edge-rusher off the bench in Jonah Elliss, who had five sacks as a rookie."

Cooper signed an extension worth $60 million over four years last November, while Bonitto could be getting a new contract soon. With youth, explosiveness, and still some room to grow, the duo could terrorize opposing quarterbacks for years to come if Denver locks Bonitto up long-term.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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