Broncos HC reveals trait that rookie QB and future Hall of Famer share

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton hasn't named a starting quarterback, but he did note rookie Bo Nix shares some traits with a future Hall of Famer, which could help him win the job.   

In a recent news conference, Payton explained that Nix's pocket presence reminds him of former Saints QB Drew Brees, who starred under the HC for 15 seasons in New Orleans.    

"He doesn't take a lot of sacks. I think he knows when the play is over — time to go. Then, I think he can make plays when he's going," Payton said of Nix. "I used to say this all the time, 'The sack numbers are a reflection more on the quarterback than the offensive line.' Brees was one of those guys. He was a tough sack. The ball came out. I think Bo has traits like that."   

Payton's compliment bodes well for Nix as he covets passers who avoid sacks. In 2023, former Broncos QB Russell Wilson took the fourth-most sacks in the NFL (45 in 15 games). Wilson's struggles in the pocket may be one reason the marriage with Payton lasted one season.    

Per The Athletic's Nick Kosmider, it appears the Broncos have narrowed the QB race to Nix and Jarrett Stidham after Zach Wilson recently stopped taking snaps with the first-team offense. Kosmider added that Stidham has a better understanding of Payton's system. Nix is making rapid progress, though, and had a stretch where he completed more than a dozen straight passes during 11-on-11 drills across several practices.   

The Broncos face the Indianapolis Colts in their first preseason game on Sunday, which should reveal more about the QB competition. Still, Payton clearly has confidence in Nix and it wouldn't be surprising if the 24-year-old signal-caller starts in Denver's regular-season opener vs. the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 8. 

As of Monday, DraftKings Sportsbook gives Nix the best odds (-200) to be the Broncos' Week 1 starter.