Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

NFL Analyst Makes Bold Claim On Denver Broncos’ QB Bo Nix

Originally posted on NFL Analysis Network
By Matthew Schmidt | Last updated 5/14/24

The Denver Broncos selected Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick of the NFL Draft late last month, hoping to solve their seemingly unending riddle at quarterback.

Some felt that the Broncos reached for Nix at that spot in the draft, but Denver didn’t really have much of a choice.

All five of the other first-round talents at the position had already flown off the board, and with the quarterback-needy Las Vegas Raiders picking right between the Broncos at No. 13, Denver couldn’t risk trading down.

But it apparently wasn’t even much of a discussion for the Broncos anyway, as head coach Sean Payton evidently had Nix third on his draft board behind Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels.

John Middlekauff of The Volume has high expectations for Nix heading into his rookie campaign, as he thinks he is walking into a fine situation in the Mile High City.

“Where you go to really matters,” Middlekauff said.

"Where you go to really matters"

—@JohnMiddlekauff explains why Bo Nix is destined for success in Denver pic.twitter.com/fLLHSog9bK
— The Volume (@TheVolumeSports) May 13, 2024

Middlekauff noted that some people have questions about Nix due to the fact that he racked up a lot of big numbers on short and intermediate passes, but he qualifies his statement by saying that Payton obviously believes in the incoming rookie and has a good history as an offensive play-caller.

The idea of Nix only being able to make short and intermediate throws is a myth, too, as his numbers on deep balls were also great at Oregon.

Nix is coming off of a fantastic 2023 campaign in which he threw for 4,508 yards, 45 touchdowns and three interceptions while completing 77.4 percent of his passes. He also rushed for 234 yards and six scores.

The 24-year-old began his collegiate career at Auburn in 2019 and spent three seasons there before transferring to Oregon in 2022.

He had a fine debut campaign with the Ducks, totaling 3,593 yards, 29 touchdowns and seven picks while completing 71.9 percent of his throws. In addition, he registered 510 yards while reaching the end zone 14 times on the ground.

Nix may not have a ton of talent around him in Denver like the aforementioned Williams does with the Chicago Bears, but he does have a proven coach who will likely get the most out of him.

Bo Nix is also almost guaranteed to be the starting quarterback come Week 1, as it seems hard to imagine either Jarrett Stidham or Zach Wilson beating him out for the job.

This article first appeared on NFL Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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