BET SMART Nix is perfect fit for Broncos
As if the 2024 NFL Draft class wasn’t crowded enough with premier quarterback talent, the scouting combine made things a bit more complicated.
Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels remain the top three prospects, but J.J. McCarthy solidified himself as a first-round pick after a stellar showing in Indianapolis last weekend.
Oregon’s Bo Nix went toe-to-toe with McCarthy — airing out deep-ball throws that demonstrated fine mechanics and accuracy.
The 2024 Heisman third-place finisher performed his way into a gray area of the draft, making himself a potential first-rounder. At 24, Nix presents a more defined version of the player he can be for whoever takes him.
He established considerable progress in each of his five seasons of college ball, climbing in completion percentage, raw yardage and quarterback rating. Nix finished the 2023 season in the top two of quarterbacks in all three of those categories.
This presents added intrigue to those teams moving on from tired quarterback situations that may not be interested in long-term development.
McCarthy might garner higher upside considering he’s 21 and still has more projected potential to unlock, but that comes with getting groomed in the right system. Nix is polished enough to see the field sooner if drafted into a compatible situation.
Denver leads the market at BetMGM to select Nix at +325 and there are several reasons why I believe he has a fair chance to land at Mile High.
The Broncos are moving on from what will go down as one of the worst trades in NFL history. It was time to cut losses on the Russell Wilson saga, which made for an 11-19 record over two seasons with two head coaches.
Cutting losses means ripping off a $39 million Band-Aid in 2024, but at least the $124 million Denver ambitiously guaranteed him at signing will be over with.
Greener pastures would start with a plug-and-play under center that could stimulate an offense that showed sporadic flashes of danger when supported with competence.
Nix should draw interest from GM George Paton for his dynamic abilities to create plays outside of the pocket, paired with a pro-ready arm that can hit sharp windows downfield. These attributes were particular areas of strength in Wilson’s prime and mimic the current profile of a Jalen Hurts.
The Broncos were ready to win when they signed Wilson. They’re not looking to now make the same mistakes by signing a costly veteran and risking more time in regression.
There are still pending signings and trades that will shake up the first-round outlook. Regardless, Denver’s answer at quarterback is in this draft — especially considering next year’s weaker expected talent pool.
How early McCarthy gets called remains to be seen, but when the Broncos pick at No. 12, it’s the best chance they’ll have at an instant upgrade from Jarrett Stidham.
Sean Payton’s system would benefit from Nix’s impeccable arm accuracy plus his scoring punch; he posted 20 rushing touchdowns in his two seasons at Oregon.
If someone swaps picks with the Broncos there, Nix is likely to still slide down to them later in the round.
We’re ready to see the first aggressive quarterback run since the 2018 draft, which should boost Nix’s value by the time Denver is on the clock.