Bo Nix could make a compelling case to become the Denver Broncos starting quarterback as a rookie, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
The former Auburn and Oregon product really lit up in the latter half of his college career and turned himself into a first round pick. But, it’s a three-way competition between him, Jarrett Stidham and former Jets QB Zach Wilson.
Still, head coach Sean Payton saw something in Nix that could propel him to become the starter this summer.
“He has impressed,” Fowler said on SportsCenter. “He’s gonna make a compelling case but it’s a three man battle right now. Got Jarrett Stidham you also got Zach Wilson. He’s trying to get in a positive state of mind after a couple of tough years in New York. The Broncos feel like he’s in that place and maybe for the first time he’s in that place, because of those turbulent years but they see the talent, they believe it is apparent.
“(The) thing about Bo Nix though, they have seen he’s really good in tight windows, quick trigger release, mature, athletic. They feel like they’re getting what Sean Payton saw they were getting, so good news.”
During his final collegiate season, Nix set career highs across the board. He had 4,508 yards, 45 touchdowns, three interceptions, a 77.4% completion percentage, 234 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns.
As a member of the Class of 2019, Nix was a five-star recruit out of Pinson (Ala.) Scottsboro School, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 3 overall prospect in the state, the No. 2 quarterback in the class and the No. 32 overall prospect in the class.
There are similarities between Nix and future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees, according to Payton.
“Mentally [Nix] wants to know as much as fast as he can,” Payton said while also mentioning Nix and Brees having different personalities. “He’s the son of a coach, now Drew wasn’t necessarily the son of a coach, but this group of quarterbacks in general are like gym rats. They enjoy the process. It’s been a good room.
“When you talk to Davis [Webb] or Joe [Lombardi] or myself, these guys are doing well. They’re pushing each other. …There’s maybe a maturity level because [Nix] played 61 games. When we got Drew, it was off of his rookie contract coming off an injury. He locates the ball well, he’s accurate and I think Drew was.”
