Broncos Rookie QB Bo Nix Earns Praise for Offseason ‘Maturity’
The Denver Broncos are still searching for their franchise quarterback, but rookie Bo Nix, the No. 12 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, is starting to make a positive impression through his dedication during the offseason.
Nick Kosmider of The Athletic reported that many within the Broncos organization have praised Nix for his performance in OTAs, rookie minicamp, and minicamp. The recurring theme in their feedback was Nix’s “maturity,” a trait likely developed from his record-setting 61 career starts over five seasons at Auburn and Oregon.
Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi noted, “There is a maturity level. When you draft an older player, you hope for maturity, and he’s shown that. His extensive college experience brings a certain calmness, so he doesn’t feel like a rookie.”
Nix is currently competing for the starting quarterback position with Zach Wilson and Jarrett Stidham. The Broncos’ rookies will report to training camp in Englewood, Colorado, on July 17, followed by the veterans on July 23.
Denver right guard Quinn Meinerz echoed the sentiment, saying, “With his sense of maturity, it almost feels like he’s been here before.”
Nix’s Career Revival at Oregon
Nix’s journey to the NFL wasn’t smooth. After three seasons at Auburn, where his performance declined each year, he transferred to Oregon. At Auburn, Nix went from being the SEC Offensive Freshman of the Year in 2019 to being benched in favor of T.J. Finley in 2021 under coach Bryan Harsin, before a season-ending injury.
Reflecting on his Auburn experience, Nix told CBS Sports’ Dennis Dodd, “In 2021, I was just kind of over it. Each week brought new challenges, and I felt miserable. It wasn’t fun anymore.”
Following Harsin’s mid-season firing in 2022, Nix became a standout player at Oregon under head coach Dan Lanning. Nix achieved a 22-5 record as the Ducks’ starter, throwing for a career-high 4,508 yards, 45 touchdowns, and just 3 interceptions as a senior in 2023. He also set an NCAA record by completing 77.4 percent of his passes.
NFL analyst Lance Zierlein compared Nix to former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, noting Nix’s accuracy, arm talent, and athleticism. Zierlein stated, “Nix displays the accuracy, arm talent, and athleticism consistent with today’s pro quarterbacks. He can deliver timely passes and work through progressions effectively.”
Broncos’ History with First-Round QBs
The Broncos have struggled with their first-round quarterback selections, despite their franchise’s two best quarterbacks, John Elway and Peyton Manning, being No. 1 overall picks by other teams.
Their recent first-round picks have not fared well. Tim Tebow, the No. 15 overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft, went 8-6 over two seasons before being traded to the New York Jets. Paxton Lynch, the No. 26 overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft, went 0-4 in two seasons before his release.
With Bo Nix, the Broncos hope to finally find success in their first-round quarterback selections.
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