Mile High Report
After a promising rookie season that saw Jonah Elliss total 5 sacks, expectations were high in year two for the Broncos pass rusher. He was still a reserve pass rusher behind starters Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper, but looked to repeat or improve on the numbers he had last season. Unfortunately, due to injuries, Elliss played in just 13 games for the Broncos and would only total 2.5 sacks.
In total, Elliss played 318 snaps on defense, which came out to be 38% of the defensive snaps last season, and 254 special teams snaps, which came out to be 72% of the special snaps the Broncos played last season. During those 13 games, Elliss totaled 28 tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, 5 QB hits, 1 forced fumble, and 1 pass deflection.
Now, in year 3 with the Broncos, Elliss potentially has the opportunity to earn a starting role on the defensive side of the ball. Due to Jonathon Cooper’s off-the-field legal issues and potential suspension, Elliss could be the next man up to start alongside Nik Bonitto on the edge in the Broncos top ranked defense that has led the NFL in sacks in back-to-back years.
The team did flirt with moving Elliss inside to linebacker on a limited basis, but gave that up and decided that he is simply too good on the edge to move him. Also, according to reports, Elliss was a standout player during Broncos minicamp. He is known for his spin move and showed it off in practice during a team rep against starting right tackle Mike McGlinchey and got by him instantly for what would have been a quick sack on the quarterback.
Elliss has talent, but due to the depth at edge rusher, he has been a rotational edge rusher coming off the bench. However, with Cooper’s status up in the air, Elliss may get an opportunity to win the job and not look back.
Jonah Elliss | Edge Rusher | Denver Broncos
He’s going to be a big part of the Broncos’ pass rush.
With Jonathon Cooper dealing with legal issues, a likely suspension, and potentially even being cut by the team, Elliss has a chance to be the Broncos’ starting edge rusher alongside Nik Bonitto.
The former third-round pick has been a solid rotational piece off the bench and has flashed real potential at times, but now could see his role grow significantly. I would look for Elliss and second-year edge rusher Que Robinson to both get an opportunity to push for the starting job regardless of what happens with Cooper. Both young players have flashed potential during their short times in the league, and Cooper’s off-the-field issues...
