Second-year players often show significant improvement, and Jonah Elliss is poised to take that leap for the Denver Broncos. After a promising rookie season where he displayed flashes of his potential, there are high expectations for Elliss as he adapts to the rigors of the NFL. His agility and technique as an outside linebacker have impressed coaches and analysts alike, suggesting he could become a key contributor on defense.

Elliss's progress in training camp and pre-season games will be crucial for his development. The Broncos are looking for more consistency and impact from their young players, and Elliss appears ready to rise to the occasion.

The Denver Broncos have updated their depth chart for outside linebackers (OLB) following the selection of Alabama's Que Robinson in the fourth round of the NFL draft. While Robinson is expected to compete for a rotational role, his background as a four-core special teams player suggests he may spend more time contributing as a special teams asset under coordinator Darren Rizzi. The Broncos return their top four pass rushers, making it a challenge for new players to crack into the established rotation.

The projected OLB depth chart lists Jonathon Cooper at OLB1, followed by Nik Bonitto, Jonah Elliss, Dondrea Tillman, and Que Robinson at OLB5. Andrew Farmer remains a probable practice squad candidate as the team anticipates carrying five OLBs on the 53-man roster for the upcoming season.

The Denver Broncos are optimistic about the contributions from their 2024 draft class, which included standout players like quarterback Bo Nix, edge defender Jonah Elliss, and wide receiver Devaughn Vele. Coach Sean Payton praised the rookie performances, noting Nix's remarkable debut season and Elliss's impact on the defensive line. Payton emphasized that it's premature to grade the class fully, highlighting the importance of evaluating players over a three-year period. As the Broncos prepare for the 2025 draft, they are looking to build on this encouraging foundation with seven picks.

Bo Nix's impressive rookie season helped propel the Denver Broncos to the playoffs, showcasing the potential of their rookie class. Despite Nix's early struggles with a 1:4 touchdown-to-interception ratio, his turnaround ignited a newfound belief among fans and analysts alike. NFL.com's Gennaro Filice placed the Broncos' rookie class at 11th overall with a B grade, attributing much of the success to Nix's development and contributions from receivers like Devaughn Vele, who recorded the highest receiving yards among second-round rookies.

The Broncos' overall rookie performance reflected a mix of standout contributions, especially from Nix and Vele, while other players like Jonah Elliss and Dondrea Tillman also made their marks defensively. As the team looks ahead to the next draft, the 2024 rookie class could further elevate the team's prospects, given the promising foundation set by this year's picks.

The Denver Broncos have focused on maximizing their limited draft capital in recent years, especially after trades for Russell Wilson and Sean Payton. Bo Nix, selected 12th overall in 2024, has emerged as a promising franchise quarterback, showcasing impressive rookie statistics despite overshadowing by Jayden Daniels' record-breaking season. Meanwhile, linebacker Jonah Elliss, drafted in the third round, was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team thanks to his five sacks and strong run-stopping ability in rotational play. His performance has given the Broncos the flexibility to consider trading other players like Baron Browning. Elliss, expected to make a leap in his second season, alongside undrafted talent Deondrea Tillman, aims to bolster Denver's pass rush.