Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton on Thursday sounded mighty pleased with how his rookie quarterback Bo Nix has performed so far.
Nix participated in Broncos OTAs this week alongside fellow QBs Zach Wilson and Jarrett Stidham. While Payton has yet to name a Week 1 starter, the Broncos coach’s glowing praise for Nix bodes well for the rookie QB’s chances.
“He’s farther along than most would be,” Payton said when asked about Nix. “We’re talking about a player who’s played 61 games. He’s extremely smart. He’s picked it up very quickly.”
Sean Payton on how Bo Nix has looked in OTA’s
“He’s farther along than most would be” pic.twitter.com/btlrZUfQOf
— DNVR Broncos (@DNVR_Broncos) May 23, 2024
Before the 2024 NFL Draft, Payton reportedly felt as strongly about Nix as he did in 2017 about a certain QB playing for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Bo Nix was throwing DARTS today at Broncos OTA’s 🎯 pic.twitter.com/PBsLJrcHew
— DNVR Broncos (@DNVR_Broncos) May 23, 2024
One of Nix’s strengths as a rookie is his experience at the college level, which Payton referenced. Nix was Auburn’s starting QB from 2019 to 2021 before transferring to Oregon to fill the same role over his last two seasons.
In his final year at Oregon, Nix led the NCAA in completions (364) and passing touchdowns (45). His 4,508 passing yard tally was second just behind Washington’s Michael Penix Jr.
Despite an impressive performance in his senior year, Nix faced criticism for one narrative in particular that may have dropped him below several QBs in his draft class.
