New mock draft has Broncos taking Bo Nix, but is that the right choice?

A new mock draft has the Denver Broncos taking Oregon quarterback Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, it's fair to wonder if that would be a mistake after he failed to quell skeptics at the Senior Bowl.

ESPN draft expert Matt Miller predicted Denver would select the 2023 Heisman finalist, touting his accuracy. The 23-year-old led the FBS in completion percentage (77.4 percent) and was second in QBR (91.6). Still, some scouts feel the impressive numbers might be the byproduct of an excellent system.

"Evaluators arrived in Mobile, Alabama, wanting to see Nix operate out of the comfort of Oregon's offense, work under center and drive the ball downfield when the opportunity arose," wrote ESPN's Jeff Legwold. "They left Mobile with the feeling Nix hadn't answered those questions. Nix had a spotty practice week in terms of accuracy, especially when he tried to push the ball downfield."

Nix starred at Auburn for three seasons before transferring to Oregon in 2022. Against tougher competition in the Southeastern Conference, he completed 59.5 percent of his passes for 39 TDs and 16 interceptions. 

While every prospect has some weaknesses, Denver needs someone with zero-bust potential. Since Hall of Famer Peyton Manning retired in 2016, the Broncos have cycled through 13 QBs and posted seven losing seasons.

Denver will probably release Russell Wilson, whose 2025 salary ($37M) becomes fully guaranteed if he's still on the team on the fifth day of the league year. Backup Jarrett Stidham filled in for Wilson after the Broncos benched him in Week 17. He went 1-1 in two starts, completing 60.6 percent of his passes for two TDs, one pick and a below-average 31 QBR. 

The draft is in April, so Nix has time to improve. But if these questions keep popping up, head coach Sean Payton and the front office should attempt to trade up in the draft and choose someone else. Excellent passers like LSU's Jayden Daniels, North Carolina's Drake Maye and Southern Cal's Caleb Williams head the list.