A couple of unknown NFL officials aren’t as disappointed as some are with the Broncos and head coach Sean Payton’s decision to choose Oregon quarterback Bo Nix as the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
“I’m betting heavily on it [success],” one executive told The Athletic’s Mike Sando. “Bo has experience, enough arm talent, and I believe he will do as coached. Sean Payton’s system is ideal for him. Bo isn’t going to go as far off script as [former Denver quarterback Russell Wilson] planned. Look, I don’t want him to be successful, but I believe he will be legitimate there.”
Last week, many criticized the Broncos for selecting a guy at No. 12 who began April 25 with a second-round grade according to pundits. Others, however, have picked Nix as the favourite to start for Denver in Week 1 over journeyman Jarrett Stidham and former New York Jets washout Zach Wilson.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Legwold, Nix “can play far closer to par than [Stidham and Zach Wilson], not repeat mistakes too often, show progress on the learning curve and handle all that comes with the job when the football isn’t in his hands.” A different executive seems to agree that Payton can and will accomplish more with Nix than the other two.
“I’m not a fan of Bo Nix, but if anyone can get something out of him, Sean can,” the executive told Sando. “He’ll program that youngster to do whatever he wants every week. It won’t be enough the first year, but Sean will buy a third year to help the baby grow and see if he can get him through.”
Meanwhile, a third official stated that Payton “had no choice but to take Bo” after quarterbacks Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, Michael Penix Jr., and J.J. McCarthy were all selected between picks one and ten.
As of early Friday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook had Nix tied for sixth among betting favourites with +1600 odds to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award for the upcoming season. Those who feel Nix will start the regular season at the top of Denver’s depth chart may want to bet on it this spring.
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