Nik Bonitto
OLB, Oklahoma · 2022 NFL Draft, Round 2, pick #64 (DEN)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: age, position, availability. Details below.
The 2022 class is only 4 seasons in, so this verdict can still change a lot.
- Age
22 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.1% of the time (2,011 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
OLB (LB group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.8% of the time (701 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 63 of ~68 possible regular-season games from 2022 through 2025 (~93%). Plus 7 games so far in 2026.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #64 (#4 at his position), close to where he went (#64). The whole market, not just his team, missed on him.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Oklahoma: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.54 40-yard dash at 248 lbs: faster than 85% of LBs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 51.6% of the time (973 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numberslive
| Games | 70 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 2 |
| Pro Bowls | 2 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 32 |
| 2026 in-season credit (est.) | 1.9 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 33.9 |
| Defense | 102 tackles, 40.5 sacks, 1 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2026 |
Career wAV via nflverse draft_picks + 2026 in-season credit from snap counts through Week 7.
The 2022 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2022 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Age 22 | 56.1% n=2,011 | |
| Position LB | 56.8% n=701 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Top 25% at his position | 51.6% n=973 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 3", 248 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.54 s |
| Vertical | 35.5" |
| Broad jump | 120" |
| 3-cone | 7.07 s |
| Shuttle | 4.23 s |
| Arm / hand | 32.5" / 9.13" |
| Age at draft | 22 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #64 overall (#4 OLB) |
Picked around him 2022 redraft
| 61 | Drake Jackson | redraft #175 |
| 62 | Bryan Cook | redraft #62 |
| 63 | James Cook | redraft #2 |
| 65 | Luke Fortner | redraft #46 |
| 66 | Brian Asamoah | redraft #177 |
| 67 | Joshua Ezeudu | redraft #151 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.