One bold prediction for Broncos No. 12 overall pick Bo Nix in 2024 NFL season

Did Sean Payton find his next Drew Brees with the selection of Bo Nix with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft?  Most importantly, did the Denver Broncos find themselves a quarterback after parting ways with Russell Wilson?

Those will be two big questions followed closely in the 2024 NFL season, but the former Oregon gunslinger will have to get over one big battle to even begin answering those questions in his rookie season.  Can Nix win the starting QB role in Denver in a battle that involves Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson?

It will be fascinating to watch for Broncos fans, especially if Wilson finds his way under Payton.  But even if the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft shows he can be a starting QB in the NFL, Payton seems to be leaning towards Nix who he sites as an experienced quarterback who is NFL ready.  Can all that production in Oregon translate to the next level?

What the Denver Broncos could have in Bo Nix

If there is a coach who can put the Nix in the position to exceed it is Payton, who found success with Brees while with the Saints.  Similar in size and arm strength, Nix’s comparison to Brees prior to the 2024 NFL Draft wasn’t uncanny.  Unfair and much to live up to?  Perhaps, but again, with his arm talent and under the coaching of Payton, it is not unrealistic to envision the sixth QB taken in the draft as the signal caller having the best rookie season out of the quarterbacks selected.

But that is if Nix can beat out Wilson and Stidham.

Bold prediction for the 2024 NFL season

Maybe not so bold is that Nix will win the starting role in Denver.  Zach Wilson will show flashes and so will Stidham, but Nix is Payton’s man and the Broncos also drafting Nix’s No. 1 target at Oregon in receiver Troy Franklin will help him tremendously.  That familiarity will go a long way for a rookie quarterback entering the league with the Pro-ready skillset Nix encompasses.

Where the bold prediction comes in is what was glossed over above.  Nix will be the rookie QB with the more successful rookie season in 2024.  Yes, over Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye.  Those quarterbacks will be solid and prove they are the real deal, but they will be in systems that won’t solely rely on their arms right away.  The same can be said about Nix, but Payton’s system will put him in position to succeed.

A quick passing game fueled on efficiency will benefit the rookie.  With Courtland Sutton, Josh Reynolds, Marvin Mims Jr. and Franklin as his playmakers, Nix will flourish while in the quick passing game, but also stimulate defenses with his velocity and ability as a play action passer. He is also capable of extending plays with his footwork. 

In all, Nix won’t put up the numbers he did in his final season at Oregon, but Payton and the Broncos will just need him to be efficient and not turn the ball over.  As long as he stays within the system, he’ll start to get chances to really show off his arm talent as his rookie season progresses.