Senior Bowl week provides an indicator of each prospect’s NFL draft stock. Given the Denver Broncos’ quarterback needs, this was an eye-opening week.
Oregon’s Bo Nix attended the Senior Bowl in Mobile, AL, last week, and his name has recently become synonymous with the Broncos. After watching the Ducks quarterback perform this week, it’s no wonder that Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports has him compared to Sean Payton’s team.
Payton wants a pocket quarterback who can play inside the system and get the ball out quickly, and some athleticism to prolong plays wouldn’t hurt. Introduce yourself to Nix, Broncos fans.
Of course, I’m not aware of Denver’s draft intentions. But Nix matches the latter description perfectly. And Payton can examine Nix’s entire collegiate career to see how he evolved from a Wilson-esque quarterback at Auburn to a meticulous, calculated pocket passer who was always looking to deliver the ball quickly based on where the defence suggested. After just reaching 60% completion in his final season at Auburn, Nix completed 71.4% of his passes with the Ducks in 2022, and that number increased to 77.4% by 2023.
Nix’s athleticism and position make him a likely No. 12 overall pick. Fans of the Denver Broncos may be tired of hearing Payton’s desire for a precision passing clone of Drew Brees to lead their offence. However, setting such unreasonable expectations for Nix would be counterproductive.
Nix insisted this week in Mobile that his five-year college experience was good, despite the time commitment. It helped him progress from a less accurate passer at Auburn to a more accomplished all-around quarterback at Oregon, where he placed third in the Heisman Trophy vote.
The lengthy process has helped Trapasso become a believer, and he was quick to address the elephant in the room: the Broncos drafting Nix at No. 12 overall, despite the possibility of being a classic quarterback reach.
The magnitude of Denver’s 2024 draft haul might push the team brass to an analysis paralysis of sorts. Above all, the onus will be on Payton, who must assess the pros and cons of remaining at No. 12 overall or moving up or down the rankings on April 25.
Any attempt to capture some ’80s vibes and pull off the type of blockbuster draft-day deal that saw John Elway land in Denver would inevitably result in defensive puzzle piece Patrick Surtain II playing somewhere next season. As a result, establishing a clear approach, as well as keeping Payton’s ultimate objective under wraps, is critical.
Loose mouths sink ships in the NFL draft game of bluffing and counter-bluffing, but if the Broncos have their sights set on a player, they better go after him. Is Nix that guy? Only time will tell.
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