Nik Bonitto EDGE Oklahoma: Scouting Report

Height: 6’3’’

Weight: 248

Overall

Nik Bonitto is an athletic edge rusher in Oklahoma’s 4-3 hybrid defense. He primarily lined up in a 2 point stance off the edge. In his 4 college seasons, he played in 39 games, starting 29 of them. He is an excellent athlete and had a lot of production during his time with the Sooners. He has a long, yet thin frame and can benefit from adding more weight in the pros. As long as he can keep his speed and quickness.

Pass Game

Bonitto excels as a pass rusher. He is very quick off the line and can beat linemen with speed off the edge or with a quick inside move. He has excellent bend to get around taller offensive tackles and get flat to the quarterback. He shows good hand technique on film and has the ingredients to grow into a dominant pass rusher. His athleticism allows him to also be used in coverage or as a QB spy. When spying the quarterback, he has excellent closing speed and can contain very athletic quarterbacks, eliminating their threat to run. In coverage, he has the speed to keep up with running backs down the field and cover space in zone, but he still has room to grow in his coverage technique. He will be a very versatile pass defender at the next level.

Run Game

Against the run, Bonitto has sufficient strength to set the edge but struggles to get off of blocks to make the play on the ball-carrier. He is a good tackler, but his lack of strength will limit his ability to play on all 3 downs. When the play gets behind him he has the speed and effort to chase down the play, but he is better suited to defend the pass.

Last Word

Bonitto played as a stand-up edge rusher in college but projects best as a 3-4 outside linebacker where he can be used primarily as a pass rusher or in coverage. If he can put on some weight and further grow into his frame, he can be a more impactful player against the run. His pass rushing abilities will allow him to excel on 3rd downs and he has excellent athleticism to be used on multiple special teams units.

One-Liner: Nik Bonitto has excellent versatility as a pass defender, but his lack of strength and block shedding will limit his opportunity to play on all 3 downs early on in his career.

Grade: 6.6 (Lower End Starter, High End 3rd Downs)

Games Watched: 2021 – Nebraska, Texas, Baylor

Team Fits: Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks, Las Vegas Raiders