Broncos Take Franchise QB at No. 12 Overall to Lead Sean Payton’s Offense

Bo Nix

Getty The Broncos took QB Bo Nix at No. 12 overall in the 2024 NFL draft.

There is a new quarterback leading the charge in the Mile High City.

The Denver Broncos selected Oregon QB Bo Nix with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. Head coach Sean Payton has his guy as the Broncos attempt to move past the disastrous Russell Wilson trade.

Nix was the sixth quarterback taken within the first 12 picks after Caleb Williams (No. 1), Jayden Daniels (No. 2), Drake Maye (No. 3), Michael Penix Jr. (No. 8) and J.J. McCarthy (No. 10).

The former Ducks star has been described as an “incomplete player,” yet possesses “undeniable” tools.

“Nix’s greatest asset is arguably his athleticism,” the Bleacher Report scouting department wrote on April 25. “He is flexible, quick on his feet and dangerously explosive. He consistently escapes pressure and finds a number of different ways to do so. Nix also brings good speed in the open field, which serves him well as a scrambler and as a designed runner.”

Time will tell if Nix will be the answer for Payton and the Broncos.


NFL Fans & Analysts Take to Social Media Following Bo Nix Selection

The Nix selection sent relative shockwaves across the NFL. Several fans and analysts took to social media following the pick.

“Bo Nix at 12 is a ridiculous reach,” one fan posted to X on April 25.

Another fan anticipates Nix will follow in the footsteps of an infamous draft bust.

Bo Nix to the Broncos is Josh Rosen to the Cardinals. Buckle up for another QB next year in round one. #Shedeur,” the fan posted

An additional fan used the selection to mock Zach Wilson who was traded to the Broncos on April 23.

“Bo Nix is in an amazing spot here. Getting to learn from a QB like Zach Wilson is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” the fan wrote.

Fox Sports personality Nick Wright felt the Nix selection did little to move the needle in the AFC West.

“Chargers take a great player… at one of only 2 positions they already have a great player instead of getting a bounty of picks. Broncos take BO NIX AT 12! And the Raiders take a Tight End instead of the #1 Defensive player in the draft. Man… it’s GREAT to be a Chiefs fan,” Wright posted to X.

Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III was far less pessimistic. Griffin considered Nix an “ELITE level decision maker” and “sees the field” like Payton.

“Bo Nix is the type of player and decision maker Sean Payton craves. A guy with ability, who can be molded by him and has some detractors,” Griffin wrote on April 25.


Will Bo Nix Defy Past 1st Round QB History for Broncos?

With Nix heading to Denver, the Oregon product will be working against unfortunate history.

Nix became the fifth first-round quarterback taken by the Broncos. Only Jay Cutler went higher at 11th overall in the 2006 NFL draft, per Broncos lead writer Aric DiLalla.

The retired QB spent three years in Denver and was voted to the 2008 Pro Bowl before being traded to the Chicago Bears in April 2009.

Tim Tebow and Paxton Lynch were also first-round selections by the Broncos and failed to pan out. Tebow had limited passing abilities while Lynch started only four games in the NFL.

Nix will have his work cut out for him as he seeks to guide his new team back to relevance.