When the Denver Broncos selected Bo Nix in the NFL Draft, many believed they had found their franchise quarterback. However, recent comments from head coach Sean Payton suggest that Nix wasn’t always Denver’s top choice. In fact, Payton revealed that the rookie quarterback didn’t particularly impress at the NFL Combine, making his eventual rise even more surprising.
During an interview with Peter Schrager of NFL Network, Payton admitted that Nix’s throwing performance at the Combine wasn’t exceptional. “Bo Nix didn’t throw particularly well at the Combine last year,” Schrager shared on X. “And at this point in 2024, he wasn’t their ‘guy’ at all.” This revelation raises an interesting question: Was Nix always the quarterback Denver truly wanted, or did his rise happen organically through his work ethic and development?
At the time of the Combine, the Broncos were still weighing their quarterback options, and there was no clear indication that Nix would be their pick. However, as the draft process unfolded, Denver’s perspective changed. Payton and his staff saw something beyond just Combine results—something that would prove invaluable as the season progressed.
Overcoming doubts and leading Denver to the playoffs
Despite any initial hesitation, Nix proved his worth once he took the field. The rookie quarterback played a crucial role in leading Denver to its first playoff appearance since the Super Bowl 50-winning season in 2015. His ability to command the offense, make smart decisions, and deliver under pressure helped end the Broncos’ long postseason drought.
Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter during the AFC Wild Card Playoffs at Highmark Stadium on January 12, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York.
Nix joined Washington’s Jayden Daniels as the only rookie quarterbacks to guide their teams to the playoffs, a feat that speaks volumes about his resilience. His success serves as a reminder that pre-draft evaluations, including the NFL Combine, don’t always tell the full story.
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The lesson from Nix’s journey
Schrager summed it up best when he said, “The lesson? This is just the start. There’s still a long way to go in the process.” Nix’s path to success highlights the unpredictability of the NFL draft and the importance of development after a player enters the league. Many prospects rise and fall based on Combine performances, but what truly matters is how they grow once they step into an NFL environment.
For the Broncos, Nix’s development is far from complete. He showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie campaign, but the next step is proving he can sustain that success in Year 2 and beyond.
What’s next for Nix and the Broncos?
As the Broncos prepare for the next season, they must continue building around Nix. Improving the offensive line, adding more weapons in the passing game, and refining their offensive scheme under Payton will be crucial. The franchise finally has momentum again, and with Nix under center, Denver hopes to establish itself as a legitimate contender in the AFC.
Bo Nix may not have been Denver’s “guy” at the start of the process, but he certainly became the quarterback they needed. His journey from Combine doubts to playoff success is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the NFL—and a sign that his best football may still be ahead.
