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Here’s how the Broncos graded out in the first round picking Bo Nix
Last night, I ran a survey asking Denver Broncos fans how they would grade the team’s first round pick of quarterback Bo Nix. Many of us expected them to trade back to get him after the 12th overall selection, but quarterback desperate teams left Sean Payton and George Paton little choice but to take Nix as the sixth overall quarterback taken in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Overall, we were mostly pleased with the pick despite the perception of it being a bit of a reach to take Nix that early in the draft. There was an even split between ‘A’ and ‘B’ grades but a total of 76% of fans voted for either of those.
We can probably guess that us fans were far more optimistic than the national media, so let’s see what draftniks around the web had to say about the Broncos picking Bo Nix in the first round.
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Broncos Draft Grades
SBNation: C+
The run on QBs continues, with the Nix to Denver rumors being true. While Nix is a good point and shoot QB with accuracy to the short areas of the field, a lot of that Oregon offense was watered down and his responses under pressure left a lot to be lacking. Denver was in a tough spot in this draft, needing a QB but not having the capital to move up to do it. Better hope he works out.
DraftKings: C
The good news is that the Broncos didn’t mortgage their future to trade up for J.J. McCarthy. But they did spend some nice draft capital on a player that doesn’t really deserve to go in the first round. The good news is that his skill set does fit with Sean Payton’s offense. Of course, his trouble comes with pressure and the NFL is not kind to QBs that don’t deal with pressure well. If they can protect him, Nix will be accurate and spread the ball around well. He’ll need to get his confidence up early in his career with help from the running game and defense.
NFL.com: C
I figured Nix would be in the mix in the top dozen picks because of his experience (61 collegiate starts), toughness and mobility. Denver badly needed a new quarterback after the departure of Russell Wilson, and Nix was the top remaining passer in the top two tiers at the position. He does not have the arm talent of the quarterbacks picked ahead of him, and he lacks elite quickness as a runner. He also struggled with his consistency early in his career at Auburn, but he bounced back in a new environment at Oregon. Head coach Sean Payton and quarterbacks coach Davis Webb probably liked the young man’s combination of efficient play and competitive spirit but it will be interesting to see if he has the game to warrant the 12th overall selection.
The Athletic: C+
The 2024 quarterback thirst is very real. Make it six QBs gone in the top 12.
This one, somehow, didn’t feel as shocking as the Penix pick — in part because that already happened. There’s a lot to like about Nix. In fact, the conversation surrounding the former Oregon passer is very similar to the one about Penix: He’s older and comes with physical limitations. Unlike Penix, though, Nix played in a very college-style offense at Oregon.
But Sean Payton knows quarterbacks, and Denver can’t go anywhere without one. The fit here does work, as Nix’s quick release and poise should fit pretty well with Payton’s scheme. Still, as with the Penix pick, it sure feels like Denver could’ve gotten more value here. It’s a bold move, if nothing else.
CBS Sports: C-
I don’t love Nix, but I get the pick. Desperation forces teams to pick quarterbacks earlier than they should. Sean Payton obviously sees Drew Brees in him, but this is way early. Why not trade down and get him later?
USA Today: C+
With a rush on quarterbacks and the organization lacking a second-round pick, Denver might have been somewhat boxed in during its pursuit of a quarterback. But perhaps this is the signal-caller that best fits Sean Payton’s exacting style. With a Football Bowl Subdivision-record 61 starts under his belt, Nix stands out from other rookies with his experience and all that comes along with it. But that’s to be expected of a 24-year-old. He’ll have to prove he can let plays develop after operating out of a quick-hit offense that provided him an abundance of easy throws behind the line of scrimmage and in the underneath range. Payton, however, likely will heavily emphasize the screen game as he works Nix into the offense. Ultimately, however, Nix might not elevate this team so much as keep it afloat as it enters what could be a trying 2024 season.
DraftWire: B+
With a lightning-quick arm, elite accuracy, and tons of experience, Nix should be an immediate upgrade for a Denver team that has been looking for its quarterback for a decade now.
It would seem that most of the concern about the Broncos pick with Bo Nix is that it is universally seen as a reach and that is why the grade isn’t higher than a C, but also they think Nix is a great fit which is why the grades are not lower than C. Only time will tell if this pick ends up being a true draft steal or draft reach.
What do you think of the differences of opinion between us fans and the national media on Denver’s pick here? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.