The Denver Broncos surprised some when they selected Bo Nix 12th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, but it seems the former Oregon star made it clear to the team almost immediately that he was the player they always wanted.

One of the biggest questions heading into Broncos training camp this summer is whether first-round pick Bo Nix can show the potential that will earn him the starting quarterback job. And in his first opportunity in Denver’s season debut, he took a big step toward that goal.

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Nix completed 15 of his 21 passes for 125 yards and scored a touchdown on four scoring drives, making the Broncos look pretty smart. However, when the organization drafted him in April, many thought that was too high and they potentially could have gotten him later in Round 1 or even Round 2.

Still, it seemed like Nix blew the Denver Broncos’ leadership away with his skills early in the pre-draft process and he was the player they always wanted as the 12th pick in Round 1.

Bo Nix Stats (Preseason): 15-21 in passing attempts, 125 passing yards, 1 touchdown

“The Broncos knew after 16 throws at Bo Nix’s private training that he was the right one,” The athlete NFL insider Dianna Russini wrote this week after speaking with Broncos head coach Sean Payton.

She also added, “On the field, the rookie dominates the huddle and the playbook. Sean Payton can’t help but rave about what this QB/HC combination could be in the future. Denver has power!”

There will certainly be a notable learning curve for Nix in his first year, but early evaluations of the young QB are still very positive after just a few weeks in training camp.

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