Following the initial free agency signings, the Denver Broncos did not bring in a quarterback to compete with Jarrett Stidham.
This lack of action has left fans wondering how the team plans to replace Russell Wilson next season. In his most recent mock draft, NFL draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. predicts that the Broncos will select a QB with potential similar to “Drew Brees” for head coach Sean Payton.
Kiper suggested that the Broncos may pick Oregon quarterback Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, stating, “Nix might not fit every team, but Payton might recognize some similarities to Drew Brees. He processes information very quickly, can make all kinds of throws, and was one of the most productive college passers over the past two seasons.”.
Nix threw 74 touchdown passes and only 10 interceptions
in 27 games with the Ducks . He completed an NCAA-record 77.4% of his passes and had a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 45-3 during the 2023 season.Kiper noted that the Oregon offense relied on fast, short passes, and Nix “wasn’t often asked to throw the ball deep.”
While Kiper mentioned that Nix ranked 120th out of 125 FBS quarterbacks in air yards per attempt (6.3), he also acknowledged potential benefits if the Broncos draft Nix.
“Choosing Nix in the first round could help the Broncos find a potential franchise quarterback. If they move down a few spots, they could gain valuable assets. But they must truly believe in Nix's potential to do so,” Kiper stated.
Bo Nix is Once Again Predicted to be Drafted by the Broncos in the Updated 2024 Mock Draft
Kiper and ESPN insider Field Yates had similar predictions, with both foreseeing the Broncos selecting Nix in their recent mock drafts.
Initially,
Yates thought the Broncos would pick Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold predictions for the top 15 picks of the 2024 NFL draft However, Yates updated his mock draft to have Denver choosing Nix at No. 12..
Yates indicated in his updated March 16 mock draft that “Quarterbacks are being drafted quickly in this scenario, and with Denver not set to pick again until the third round, they must act decisively to acquire one now.”
He added that the Broncos have not made any moves regarding the quarterback position this offseason, and they are currently planning to start Jarrett Stidham. Nix’s combination of accuracy, quick decision-making, and mobility makes him an interesting option, according to Yates. Yates also suggested that he believes Nix would help the Broncos get back on track.Another 1st-Round Acquisition by an NFC Team Could Impact the Broncos in the NFL Draft
The Minnesota Vikings
may have made it more challenging for the Broncos to add a quarterback in the 2024 NFL draft.
The On March 15, Minnesota obtained the No. 23 pick from the Houston Texans
via trade. According to ESPN's Kevin Seifert, this move could indicate the Vikings’ plans to trade up in the first round. “The trade secured the Vikings’ original first-round pick, No. 11, and they could even combine it with the No. 23 pick to move up in the round, stated in a March 15 article
Quarterback is a necessity for Minnesota as the team currently has no quarterbacks. Nick Mullens.
Denver might not have a chance if the Vikings decide to combine the picks. It's unclear how determined Payton and the front office will be with the draft coming up in just over a month. Sam Darnold, NFL draft expert Mel Kiper predicts that the Broncos will select Oregon quarterback Bo Nix at No. 12 in his most recent mock draft. and Jaren Hall rostered.
Denver could be out of luck if the Vikings follow through on packaging the picks. With the draft just over a month away, how aggressive Payton and the front office will be is uncertain.
