Sean Payton has his quarterback after the Broncos picked Oregon’s Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick in the NFL draft on Thursday. Bo Nix was selected by the Broncos with the No. 12 pick in the NFL draft on Thursday. in the NFL draft on Thursday.
Here’s a look at how national analysts are grading the selection:
Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski gave it a D.
“The Denver Broncos decided not to risk losing their preferred quarterback and selected a second-round quarterback with the 12th overall pick. Nix is considered a better value than Michael Penix Jr., picked by the Atlanta Falcons at No. 8. He is expected to be a good fit in Sean Payton’s offense, but this was seen as a significant reach.”
“Nix is not highly favored, but the pick is understood. Teams sometimes pick quarterbacks earlier than they should due to desperation. Sean Payton sees potential in Nix, but this pick is considered premature. It was suggested that the Broncos could have traded down and picked him later.”
CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco gave it a C-.
“I don’t love Nix, but I understand the pick. Teams sometimes feel pressured to pick quarterbacks earlier than they should. Sean Payton may see potential in Nix, but this pick is seen as too early. It was wondered why they didn’t trade down and pick him later.”
Fox Sports’ Rob Rang gave it a B-.
“Nix is a great fit in Denver from a scheme and personality standpoint because Sean Payton requires his quarterbacks to be quick thinkers with mobility. Nix entered the draft as the most experienced quarterback in the class and scored 152 times overall (38 on the ground) in his career. He also has a humble and grounded personality. However, Nix does not have as strong of an arm as most of the other quarterbacks already selected. Perhaps the Broncos are relying on Denver’s thin air to benefit his receivers.”
NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks did not give a grade.
“Nix is a skilled playmaker with the ability to execute Sean Payton’s offense in Denver. He fits the prototype of Drew Brees, getting the ball to his playmakers and accurately delivering passes at the short and intermediate levels.
SB Nation’s Joseph Acosta gave it a C+.
“The run on quarterbacks continues, and the rumors about Nix going to Denver turned out to be true. While Nix is good at quick and accurate passes to the short areas of the field, his performance under pressure was found lacking. Denver was in a tough spot, needing a quarterback but lacking the resources to move up in the draft. They better hope he works out.
Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame gave it a C.
“Like Michael Penix Jr., Nix is a case of what you see is what you get. Nix had struggles at Auburn over three seasons, with a completion rate of 59.4%. After transferring to Oregon, his performance improved significantly, including a season with 45 touchdown passes against three interceptions.
“Nix's size is not ideal at 6’2″ and 214 pounds, and his mobility is limited. He ran for just 234 yards in 2023, although he achieved 14 rushing touchdowns in ’22. However, if he continues to improve, he could become a quality NFL quarterback.
USA Today’s Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz gave it a C+.
“With a rush on quarterbacks and Denver lacking a second-round pick, the team perhaps felt constrained in their pursuit of a quarterback. Nix, with a record 61 starts in the Football Bowl Subdivision, stands out among other rookies with his savviness and experience. However, this is expected of a 24-year-old. He will need to demonstrate that he can let plays develop after working in a quick-hit offense that provided him with numerous easy throws behind the line of scrimmage and in the short range. Payton is likely to emphasize the screen game as he integrates Nix into the offense. Ultimately, Nix may not elevate the team significantly but rather help it navigate what could be a challenging 2024 season.
“The desire for quarterbacks has gone too far. The Broncos don't need to pick Bo Nix. He doesn't have the qualities of a quarterback who can rescue Denver. Bo Nix, Zach Wilson, and Jarrett Stidham will compete this summer to start, but Nix is more likely to be a backup in the NFL than a franchise starter.”
