Broncos HC Sean Payton reacts to Bo Nix ESPN top 100 snub

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton is once again speaking up for third-year quarterback Bo Nix. 

After calling out Fox Sports analyst Geoff Schwartz for an ill-informed Nix take last week, Payton responded to more of the QB's skeptics on Wednesday. The coach fielded questions about ESPN's annual top 100 players list, which didn't include the Broncos star.  

Sean Payton discusses Bo Nix ESPN top 100 snub

Payton said some haven't changed their predraft stance on Nix, whom many considered a potential bust. Denver selected him with the No. 12 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, which saw six QBs go in the first round. Many deemed that a reach, including the NFL Mock Draft Database, which gave the Broncos a D for picking Nix that high. 

Payton then noted that some analysts and other media members may not watch the Broncos enough, and that if they did, they would understand Nix's impact. 

"Often times you're not exposed to certain players based on television. It's the one cool thing about our sport, though, you could argue any position. Top 10, all of those discussions. And generally time will give you those answers. We love what we're seeing," Payton said, per Will Petersen of DenverSports.com.  

Nix could begin gaining more respect if he keeps winning. The Broncos QB went 24-10 in the regular season in his first two seasons as a starter and led the team to the AFC Championship Game in his second season. Denver lost 10-7 to the New England Patriots in the conference championship, but Nix didn't play after fracturing his right ankle in a 33-30 overtime win over the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round.

Nix, who's now healthy, could carry the Broncos even further in 2026. Teammates anticipate him taking another step thanks to the addition of wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and new offensive coordinator Davis Webb assuming play-calling duties for Payton. The praise may be more than smoke, as the QB went 6-of-9 passing for 76 yards and one touchdown in the preseason.