Broncos continue QB run as Bo Nix goes at No. 12

The Denver Broncos selected Oregon quarterback Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.

The first half of the draft's opening round has seen an unprecedented run on quarterbacks.

Nix was the sixth passer taken after Caleb Williams (Chicago Bears), Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders), Drake Maye (New England Patriots), Michael Penix Jr. (Atlanta Falcons), and J.J. McCarthy (Minnesota Vikings).

After three inconsistent seasons as Auburn's starter, Nix built himself back into a top quarterback prospect following his transfer to Oregon. He finished the 2023 campaign with 4,508 yards and 45 touchdowns against three interceptions.

The Broncos direly needed a quarterback of the future after a disastrous trade for Russell Wilson, who the club released in March. Denver also rosters signal-callers Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson, whom they acquired in a recent trade.

Broncos coach Sean Payton had never previously drafted a quarterback in the first two rounds, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Pre-draft profile

This isn't the same Nix we saw at Auburn. Granted, it took him a while to get here, so we're now talking about a prospect who will be 24 years old as a rookie. That will be an issue for some. But NFL teams should take starting-caliber quarterbacks however and whenever they can get them, and Nix could prove to be exactly that after an outstanding final season at Oregon. He's demonstrated good accuracy to all levels of the field, the creativity to thrive outside of structure, and the athleticism to make plays with his legs. Nix still needs to clean up his footwork, particularly against pressure, to avoid unnecessary misses. And he hasn't completely gotten past the tendency to do a little too much when the play breaks down. Can he continue to improve on these things at the next level? Or does his experience, however valuable, suggest that he's already near his ceiling? The answer to that question should ultimately determine his chances of becoming a long-term starter in the NFL.

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