The Denver Broncos have a beginning quarterback for the 2024 season, as Sean Payton introduced on Wednesday that rookie Bo Nix would be the No. 1 man this fall.
Nix was one in all three gamers gunning for the gig. Journeyman Jarett Stidham bought the beginning within the first preseason recreation however solely bought a couple of reps earlier than handing over the keys to Nix, who even performed with the primary staff. In the meantime, Zach Wilson bought a while in opposition to the Colts on the finish with the Broncos backups. Stidham began on the finish of final season for the Broncos whereas Denver traded for the previous first-rounder Wilson this offseason after a couple of dangerous years because the Jets starter.
“Simply talking with George (Paton) and Greg (Penner) and understanding that you simply oftentimes this stuff care for themselves, however we’re not in a rush to reach at these kind of selections,” Payton mentioned whereas saying the selection. “I believe it’s vital, relative to the staff, that we deal with it that approach. He’s been excellent. Clearly, there’s a ton of room for development. There’s a variety of issues that he must work on.
“I’ve already spoken with, with all three of these guys. They are going to be an awesome useful resource for him (Nix,) in addition to Zach. We made some actually good choices, and we’re going to have an opportunity to see them unfold because the season goes on.”
The Broncos wrap up the preseason with a 1:30 p.m. MST internet hosting of the Arizona Cardinals. Payton didn’t deal with Nix’s standing for the sport, however Denver had previous to naming him the starter listed Nix because the No. 3 QB on the depth chart, behind Stidham and Wilson.
Nix, 24, was taken within the first spherical of the 2024 NFL Draft by Denver. He’s coming off a Heisman-nominated ultimate yr for the Oregon Geese. Nix was a five-year starter in school for the Geese and Auburn Tigers, ending his faculty time because the Offensive Participant of the 12 months within the Pac-12 final fall. Nix threw for 4,508 yards and 45 touchdowns to simply three interceptions whereas tacking on one other 234 yards and 6 touchdowns on the bottom final fall. In 2022, Nix really rushed for 510 yards and 14 touchdowns, exhibiting he’s able to getting exterior of the pocket and is keen to place his physique on the road.
“I believe there’s a maturity stage to him that perhaps is totally different than a variety of rookies,” Payton mentioned. “That’s form of a part of this COVID section of soccer the place it’s uncommon due to what occurred throughout COVID and so that you do really feel a maturity stage in dealing with the media. That have with issues, you do really feel that with this participant.
In his first two preseason video games, Nix’s 116.7 passer score is second amongst all QBs this preseason. He’s thrown for 205 yards, connecting on 23 of his 30 tosses with two touchdowns besides.
Payton did say this doesn’t assure the job to Nix for all 17 video games.
This story initially appeared on DenverSports.com.