Denver Broncos’ latest quarterback, Bo Nix, showcased his skills during the team’s rookie minicamp, leaving a lasting impression on head coach Sean Payton. This week marked Nix’s first set of practices with the Broncos, and Payton is already expressing optimism about the young quarterback’s potential.
Sean Payton’s Praise for Bo Nix’s Performance
Head coach Sean Payton, known for his discerning eye for talent, shared his thoughts on Nix’s initial performance. “So much of it is the huddle, snap count, break the huddle, under center, shotgun, it’s a process,” Payton said, via Jeff Legwold of ESPN. “He’s handling the install well, he had a pretty good practice today, he’s grinding through it, he’s doing good with it.”
I feel sorry for what Sean Payton and Bo Nix are gonna do to your favorite NFL team 😤 pic.twitter.com/Ej00CHKztq
— Michael 🇲🇽 (@RespectMyCos) May 11, 2024
The Broncos selected Nix with the 12th overall pick in the NFL Draft, making him the sixth and final quarterback to be picked in the first round. Despite being the last quarterback selected in the round, Nix was ranked third on Denver’s draft board, just behind Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels, who was chosen by the Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders, respectively.
The Pre-Draft Process and Bo Nix’s College Success
Nix’s impressive college career at the University of Oregon played a significant role in Denver’s decision to draft him. Payton was notably impressed with Nix during the pre-draft process and continues to be encouraged by his performance. “He had two or three down-the-field throws [Saturday],” Payton remarked.
“It’s almost like watching a good golfer when you watch his game … there’s a patience to how he plays, the ball comes out.”
In his 2023 campaign, Nix threw for an astounding 4,508 yards, 45 touchdowns, and only three interceptions, with a completion rate of 77.4 percent. He also proved to be a dual threat, rushing for 234 yards and six touchdowns.
Will Bo Nix Start in Week 1?
While it’s too early to predict if Nix will be the starting quarterback in Week 1, Payton remains cautiously optimistic. “We’ll figure it out, we’ll figure it out,” Payton said. “… We’ll have a rotation and we’ll go from there.”
Nix’s journey to the NFL began at Auburn in 2019, where he spent three years before transferring to Oregon in 2022.
His debut season with the Ducks was nothing short of spectacular, with Nix amassing 3,593 yards, 29 touchdowns, and seven interceptions while completing 71.9 percent of his passes. Additionally, he rushed for 510 yards and 14 touchdowns, showcasing his versatility and athleticism.
Denver Broncos’ Quest for a Franchise Quarterback
Since the retirement of Peyton Manning after the 2015-16 season, the Broncos have struggled to find a consistent and reliable quarterback. This instability at the quarterback position has contributed to the team’s playoff drought. Denver is hopeful that Nix can bring the stability and success they’ve been missing.
As the rookie minicamp progresses, all eyes will be on Bo Nix to see if he can continue to impress and potentially secure the starting role. The Broncos’ coaching staff and fans alike are eager to see if Nix can be the long-awaited answer to their quarterback woes.
