The Denver Broncos have an open quarterback slot heading into the 2024 NFL season, as the team released Russell Wilson this past offseason, after he was the starting QB the past couple seasons. With this in mind, the team drafted Bo Nix, quarterback out of Oregon, with the 12th pick in the NFL Draft this year.
The other two quarterbacks on the depth chart include Jarrett Stidham and former New York Jets player Zach Wilson. That is to say, during the Broncos minicamp practices in June, Stidham was taking the starting QB reps.
However, as training camp just got underway, it seems Nix has done enough to impress head coach Sean Payton.
Sean Payton didn't show his hand on who will be the Broncos starting QB as players report to training camp.@PetersenWill says the goal should be getting Bo Nix maximum reps. And it's the game action, not the practices that matter.
"It all comes down to the preseason." pic.twitter.com/gMYyJdcVlN
— Colorado Sports Night (@COSportsNight) July 24, 2024
All in all, rookies starting Week 1 in the NFL is starting to become more common, as last year's draft class showed out when given the opportunity to take the reins of the offense, which can be seen when looking at the likes of Rookie of the Year CJ Stroud.
"The overall experiences & the knowledge that I have ... I think that's just all going into helping make the transition better.”
Following #BroncosOTAs, Bo Nix detailed his transition to the NFL, hopes to ‘play fast’ when #BroncosCamp begins » https://t.co/FrIVxODPwW pic.twitter.com/Y2DaRrcLYU
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) July 19, 2024
24-year-old Bo Nix certainly has the experience, as he played five seasons in college, starting in 61 games between his tenures at Auburn and Oregon, which is the most for a quarterback in NCAA history.
Nix threw for 15,352 yards, 108 touchdowns (26 INT's), to go along with 1,613 rushing yards and 38 rushing touchdowns throughout his collegiate career.
When viewing how Nix's success on the college level will translate to the NFL, there is optimism about his accuracy, as he led the nation last year with a recorded 85.5% adjusted completion percentage during his senior season at Oregon.
#Broncos QB Bo Nix on Day 2 of camp
- Had a deep shot to Troy Franklin fall incomplete in team period, one high pass fall incomplete.
- Had a nice spin-out move to evade pressure and found Tim Patrick for a nice gain in scramble drill. pic.twitter.com/B3Go0KYVk9— Cody Roark (@CodyRoarkNFL) July 25, 2024
The first time Nix will be able to show off his skills in a Broncos uniform will be during the team's first preseason game, which will take place on August 11, when he travels to Indianapolis to take on the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium (1 pm ET).
