Before the Broncos stepped onto the field for their preseason opener against the Colts on Sunday, head coach Sean Payton was eager to see rookie Jonah Elliss on special teams.
Let’s say the young outside linebacker didn’t disappoint.
On the opening kickoff in Denver’s 34-31 victory, Elliss shot down the field, pushing off a blocker before delivering a mean tackle on Colts returner Dallis Flowers at Indianapolis’ 26-yard line.
Overall, his performance indicated he can be more than just a contributor on special teams. Elliss was effective as a pass rusher — a noticeable trait during training camp — providing optimism he could play a significant role in Denver’s outside linebacker rotation.
“Jonah (has) a lot of natural skill,” Broncos outside linebacker Baron Browning said. “I think his upside is very high, but like any rookie, there is a learning curve from playing in college to the NFL. I think he’s just going to continue to develop and get better.”
During practice, Elliss has generated pressure and plays against the run. But the real test came with playing in a game setting, where he didn’t have to hold back in his pursuit of a quarterback.
In the second quarter against Indianapolis, the 21-year-old pressured Colts quarterback Sam Ehlinger, resulting in an interception from safety Keidron Smith. Later in the afternoon, Elliss unleashed an all-out pursuit on quarterback Kedon Slovis, resulting in a sack on third-and-14.
“We feel like he can be a contributor, especially when you draft someone that high. He has good football makeup and a good IQ,” Payton said of Elliss, who was selected in the third round (76th overall) in April.
Though players like outside linebackers Jonathon Cooper and Nik Bonitto made strides in 2023, combining for 16.5 sacks, Denver lacked consistency from its pass rush. The Broncos had the fourth-lowest pressure rate in the league (18.2%).
Elliss had no problem getting after the quarterback during his final season at Utah. Through 10 games before sustaining a season-ending shoulder injury, he recorded 12 sacks — seventh-most in the nation. Elliss also had 39 pressures and a pass-rush win rate of 27.9%, according to Pro Football Focus.
“I just knew Jonah through my little brother, (linebacker) Lander (Barton), who is a junior at Utah,” said inside linebacker Cody Barton, who is one of six former Utes on Denver’s roster. “Just watching those games, I was like, ‘Who is this guy? This guy is pretty good.’”
Denver is a franchise in transition, hoping the 2024 rookie class will help the organization return to its winning ways. While quarterback Bo Nix is at the center of rejuvenating the offense, Elliss and the trio of Browning, Bonitto and Cooper are hoping to provide the pass-rush consistency the Broncos have desperately looked for since Von Miller and Bradley Chubb walked out the door.
“I know he has high expectations for himself,” Browning said. “Not only him but our whole unit. I’m excited to see him keep growing.”
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