NFL players often take a leap in their second season, and Denver Broncos fans will hope to see quarterback Bo Nix follow that trend in 2025. Denver also made a key pick on defense.
After picking Nix in the first round of last year’s draft, the Broncos used their next selection to add Utah pass rusher Jonah Elliss. He had an encouraging rookie campaign with five sacks, but Elliss could take another big step in Year 2.
“No doubt,” Broncos general manager George Paton said in March when asked about second-year players making big jumps. “Look at Nik Bonitto. Last year at this time, did we think Nik Bonitto would be an All-Pro player? I don’t think anyone would have said that. It’s a credit to Sean [Payton], it’s a credit to the staff how they develop these young players to take that next step. They all grow at different areas.
“Like we talked about, Pat Surtain walked in the door. He was Pat Surtain, but a lot of these guys, some get it in the second year, some get it in the third year. You can’t be overly patient, but you just have to keep developing your young players.”
Denver will continue to develop Elliss by increasing his snaps. Bonitto’s defensive snaps increased from 357 to 524 to 708 over his first three seasons. After playing 434 snaps last fall, Elliss will hope to follow a similar trajectory.
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