The Denver Broncos surprised the football world in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, drafting Oregon quarterback Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick. The hope was that Nix could finally end the Broncos’ long-term pursuit of a franchise quarterback. The early returns in that hunt were good.
Nix flashed promise in his first season in the NFL and helped lead the Broncos to their first postseason appearance since winning the Super Bowl in 2015. The former Oregon Duck completed 66.3% of his passes for 3775 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions while adding 430 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. For the first time in a long time, the Broncos look to be heading in the right direction at quarterback, and that hasn’t gone unnoticed.
According to Moe Molton of Bleacher Report, Nix is Denver's most promising building block heading into the 2025 NFL season. The Broncos roster is full of excellent, and talented young players, so the fact that Nix is viewed as the most promising is music to the ears of Broncos fans.
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) after the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High.
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) after the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High.
Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
“Last offseason, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton raised eyebrows when he compared Bo Nix to former 13-time Pro Bowl quarterback Drew Brees.” Molton writes. “Nix still has a long way to go to measure up to those comparisons, but in his first year, the Oregon product proved he can handle an accomplished and demanding head coach who knows how to turn a quarterback into a league star.”
Nix had a few hairy moments and one or two ugly interceptions, but those are the norm for rookies—even ones who enter the NFL with the same sort of experience that Nix possessed. In terms of pure infrastructure, there aren’t many better places for Nix to develop than in a Sean Payton offense, especially with the depth of talent around him.
“Nix led all rookie quarterbacks in passing yards (3,775) and touchdown passes (29) and tacked on 430 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. He's dynamic, accurate and off to a strong start among his peers from a loaded quarterback class.” Molton added. “If Nix can build on a promising rookie campaign, the Broncos have found their franchise quarterback.”
All that Nix can do now is go and prove that he can soar.