Scout's view: Heisman Trophy finalist Bo Nix comparable to this NFL QB

Daniel Kelly spent four years in pro scouting with the New York Jets. He is the published author of the book "Whatever It Takes," the story of a fan making it into the NFL.

Oregon QB Bo Nix — one of four finalists for the Heisman Trophy — reminds me of Kirk Cousins, the Minnesota Vikings QB with impressive statistics but no Super Bowl rings.

In 12 seasons in the NFL, Cousins has a 78-70-2 record as a starter (1-4 in the playoffs) and 39,471 passing yards. I see a similar trajectory for Nix, which is not a bad thing. It's supremely hard to play QB in the NFL, and Cousins clearly has been successful — albeit without any division titles on his résumé.

After studying 24 of Nix's games over the past two seasons, I've gone from a third- to fifth-round projection on him to a first-round grade. That's largely because he produced near-flawless game film this season. 

In 13 games in 2023, Nix had the highest completion percentage in the FBS (77.2%), tied for the lead in passing touchdowns (40) and produced the second-most passing yards (4,145 yards). On game film, Nix's skills remind me of some veteran NFL QBs.

Nix's mastery of the college ranks comes from experience — he has 60 college starts, the most in FBS history by a QB. He's the only QB in FBS history with 55+ touchdowns (passing and rushing) at two schools. 

Of course, playing in the wide-open, defensively challenged Pac-12 instead of the SEC — where he played at Auburn for three seasons before transferring — helped considerably. Oregon only faced two top-50-ranked defenses in 2023: No. 17 Utah and No. 35 Oregon State. 

If Nix looked so incredible on film this season, why do I expect him to slip to the 18- to 21-pick range in the 2024 NFL Draft — roughly where the Vikings may pick?

Nix's 6-5 record against top-25 teams the past two seasons is concerning, as is Oregon's No. 40 ranking in red-zone offense this season. He also tends to tense up at times and tries to steer the ball, which causes inaccuracy. 

Nix is as polished as they come in college football, but he seems emotionless on the field (except for hanging a towel over his head after losing the Pac-12 Championship Game). I like a QB with fire, as Tom Brady often displayed while playing.