Phil Simms, a New York Giants great and 1987 Super Bowl MVP, has big expectations for Nix in Denver. Simms discussed Nix’s NFL preparation with his son and NBC analyst Chris Simms.
“I watched [Nix] during the season,” Simms remarked on the May 20 episode of “Chris Simms Unbuttoned.” “I like him. I responded, ‘He appears bigger than 6-foot-2.’ I’m not sure what it is. He has lengthy legs and a large build. I believe he’s quite mobile. I don’t believe he received the credit he deserved there. He has incredible arm strength. Is it elite? “No, but he makes a lot of power throws every game.”
The Broncos did not hesitate to choose the 24-year-old Nix at No. 12 overall, as his age did not deter head coach Sean Payton. Simms felt the issue over Nix’s age was immaterial.
“‘He’ll be 25.’ So, what? They act like they have to grab these guys and will retain them for 20 years… “Hopefully, they can get four years in,” Simms stated.
Payton appeared to desire experience behind centre, since Nix had made 61 collegiate starts. That is why Simms believes Nix will “adapt to the NFL really fast.”
Broncos’ starting quarterbacks rank dead last in PFF rankings.
While Simms may have faith in Nix, many of the national media is wary about the Broncos’ quarterback predicament.
Unsurprisingly, Trevor Sikkema of PFF ranked the Nix and Jarrett Stidham tandem lowest in his QB rankings heading into the 2024 season.
“Stidham just hasn’t been good to this point in his NFL career,” Sikkema said in his May 21 essay. “He has one season with a passing grade above 56.0, and his NFL history includes only two big-time throws and eight turnover-worthy plays. Nix’s experience and effectiveness at Oregon could help him break through immediately, but transitioning from the Ducks’ offence to NFL settings could be difficult.
Stidham has started only four NFL games for the Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders. His lack of starting experience most certainly led to Denver’s possible upgrade in Nix.
What Does a Successful Rookie Season Look Like for Nix?
It is impossible to expect Nix to match his output from his final season at Oregon. Broncos fans will be pleased if the former Ducks star has a successful first season.
Expectations are low in the Mile High City, so there’s no pressure, right? What does a good first year look like for Nix?
Russell Wilson, who had 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions in his last 15 games with the Broncos last season, should serve as the baseline. Wilson completed 66.4% of his passes and narrowly crossed the 3,000-yard mark, finishing with 3,070 passing yards.
Assuming Nix can stay healthy, he should easily eclipse 3,000 passing yards. Completing at least 66% of his passes may be the basic requirement given his accuracy.
Payton must declare Nix as starter initially, but the first-round pick has the entire summer to establish himself.
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