Nik Bonitto Will Win Defensive Player of the Year

Bonitto Is Poised For Another Incredible Year

There is no reason to assume that Bonitto will not dominate again. Unlike many teams, Denver stayed very quiet this offseason. They brought back many of their free agents and brought in a few new faces. Thus, Bonitto’s situation will be mostly unchanged.

He will still have former Buckeye Jonathon Cooper opposite him on the edge. He will still have an elite interior line anchored by Zach Allen and D.J. Jones — making his life easier. And he will still have an elite secondary behind him, led by former DPOY Patrick Surtain. In fact, the connection between secondaries and elite pass rush production is stronger than some might think. Because their pass defense is so stout, defensive coordinator Vance Joseph can afford to send Bonitto and extra rushers knowing that they’re secure over the top.

As for Surtain, his victory of the award simply goes to show how player-friendly Denver’s defensive system is. Between Bonitto, Surtain, Allen, and safety Talanoa Hufanga, the Broncos have had six All-Pros in the last two years.

Bonitto has had the numbers, and at 26 years old, he is entering the prime of his career. Those factors alone should make him a favorite for Defensive Player of the Year. However, when factoring in his competition, his chances only increase.

Bonitto’s Threats May Not Be So Threatening

Bonitto is already among the favorites for the award. However, he’s just one of many solid options. Other top names include Myles Garrett, Will Anderson Jr., Aidan Hutchinson, Maxx Crosby, and Brian Burns. However, there are still plenty of additional competitors like T.J. Watt, Trey Hendrickson, Nick Bosa, and many more.

Garrett, the reigning DPOY, has already been predicted by many to repeat. For good reason, too, as the former Brown totaled a monstrous 23 sacks last year. However, his recent change of scenery may hurt his odds. Recording 23 sacks is much more attainable on a depleted defense with no other pass rush threats and an offense that can’t stay on the field. Now that he’s on the Rams, he’s on a loaded roster with the returning future Hall of Famer, Aaron Donald. Meanwhile, Byron Young, Braden Fiske, and Kobie Turner will also be in the mix, putting up numbers. 

As for Anderson, Crosby, Bosa, and Watt, none of them had a season of over 12 sacks in the last two years. The latter three have been on a bit of a decline due to age and injuries, while Anderson Jr. may just not be ready yet. Meanwhile, Hendrickson also shares an issue with Garrett, as the last player to win the award in their first year with a new team was Bryce Paup in 1995.

The Award Is No Guarantee

Hutchinson and Burns, admittedly, are fantastic candidates. They both had fantastic seasons last year, finishing top five in sacks and recording over three forced fumbles. Maybe the arrival of Arvell Reese will hinder Burns. Maybe Hutchinson’s devastating injury from 2024 will play a role this year. Both possibilities feel like long shots, though, as they will almost certainly will have great seasons.

Burns and Hutchinson will be in the race. One or two of the aforementioned veterans will have a resurgence. Plus, a new, underrated edge rusher or two will have fantastic years that will put them in the conversation. Ultimately, this year’s race will be close, as the league is filled with talented pass rushers. However, Bonitto truly has as great a shot as any of them.

After two years of being critically undervalued, Bonitto has become a household name. Finally, he is being brought up in DPOY discourse prior to the start of the season. Fans and analysts alike know what he is capable of. He is in an incredibly stable team environment where he has put together back-to-back monstrous seasons. Combine that with his competition and injury history (or lack thereof), and all the pieces can easily come together. Do not be surprised for one second if Bonitto wins the 2026 DPOY award in February.