After a week of buzz, Broncos fans are urged to get to know the Senior Bowl quarterback.
The week of the Senior Bowl provides a gauge for each prospect’s NFL draft value. It was an eye-opening week, given the Denver Broncos’ needs at quarterback.
Bo Nix, of Oregon, was in Mobile, Alabama, last week for the Senior Bowl. Lately, his name has stuck like glue on the Broncos. After watching the Ducks passer this week, it’s not shocking to find Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports matching him with Sean Payton’s squad.
Payton wants a pocket passer that can execute plays within the system and get the ball out fast. Sure, adding some athleticism to the skill set wouldn’t hurt. Become familiar with Nix, Broncos supporters.
Naturally, I am unaware of Denver’s draft plans. But Nix completely matches the latter description. And Payton can watch Nix’s whole college career to see how he developed from an Auburn quarterback who was similar to Wilson to a methodical, deliberate pocket passer who was always looking to throw the ball quickly depending on where the defense dictated. In 2022, Nix completed 71.4% of the passes with the Ducks, up from a meager 60% completion rate in his final season at Auburn. In 2023, that percentage shot up to 77.4%.
Considering his physical prowess and the
the Ducks in 2022, and in 2023, that percentage shot up to 77.4%.
And it wouldn’t be shocking if Nix went No. 12 overall considering his athleticism and the importance of the position.
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It’s likely becoming old news to Broncos supporters that Payton is determined to run his offense in Denver with a precise passing version of Drew Brees. But it would be counterproductive to hold Nix to such irrational standards.
Last week in Mobile, Nix was adamant that his five years of college had been worthwhile, even though it had taken a lot of time. It helped him go from being an unreliable passer at Auburn to an improved all-around quarterback at Oregon, where he placed third in the Heisman Trophy voting.
Trapasso, who was also quick to address the elephant in the room—that is, the Broncos selecting Nix at No. 12 overall, even though it carries the risk of being a classic quarterback reach—has become a believer as a result of the prolonged process.
The significance of Denver’s 2024 draft haul could cause a kind of paralysis by analysis among the team’s executives. Above all, though, Payton will bear the primary responsibility as he must consider the advantages and disadvantages of holding his current position at No. 12 overall or shifting up or down the board on April 25.
If one were to channel the nostalgia of the 1980s and pull off a blockbuster trade similar to the one that brought John Elway to Denver on draft day, Patrick Surtain II, a defensive puzzle piece, would almost certainly end up playing elsewhere the following season. Thus, deciding on a clear course of action and maintaining secrecy regarding Payton’s final plan will be crucial.
The significance of Denver’s 2024 draft haul could cause a kind of paralysis by analysis among the team’s executives. Above all, though, Payton will bear the primary responsibility as he must consider the advantages and disadvantages of holding his current position at No. 12 overall or shifting up or down the board on April 25.
If one were to channel the nostalgia of the 1980s and pull off a blockbuster trade similar to the one that brought John Elway to Denver on draft day, Patrick Surtain II, a defensive puzzle piece, would almost certainly end up playing elsewhere the following season. Thus, deciding on a clear course of action and maintaining secrecy regarding Payton’s final plan will be crucial.
