As the 2024 NFL Draft approached, all eyes were on the quarterback class, and with good reason. With six quarterbacks selected in the first round, the draft was filled with intrigue.
The Denver Broncos, holding the No. 12 overall pick, found themselves in an uncertain position, given the number of teams ahead of them in need of a quarterback. Caleb Williams was widely expected to go first overall, followed by Jayden Daniels, who had just won the Heisman Trophy. Drake Maye, who was eventually picked third by the New England Patriots, had long been considered a top contender for the No. 1 spot by many analysts. Meanwhile, J.J. McCarthy’s national championship performance had made him a major wild card.
However, the draft took an unexpected turn when the Atlanta Falcons selected Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 overall, despite having just signed Kirk Cousins to a large contract in free agency. This left the Broncos with one remaining quarterback that had been heavily linked to them in pre-draft discussions: Bo Nix.
When the Broncos chose Nix, many viewed it as a reach, suggesting they had been forced to select a quarterback in desperate need of one. While desperation was certainly a factor, what the Broncos got was the quarterback who had made more college football starts than anyone in history. Nix had set an NCAA record for completion percentage in a season and was seen as an ideal fit for Sean Payton’s offense.
Bo Nix: The Best Pick of the 2024 NFL Draft
As of Week 13, no rookie has been more impactful than Nix. While Daniels in Washington is close, Nix has given the Broncos exactly what they’ve been lacking since Peyton Manning’s retirement. Not only has Nix fit perfectly into Payton’s system, but he also plays like a seasoned veteran, showing intelligence, athleticism, poise, and composure well beyond his years. He’s delivered everything the Broncos hoped for in a first-round pick, and his leadership has injected new life into the team.
Jeff Diamond from The 33rd Team agrees, calling Nix the biggest steal of the draft. Diamond points out that while other quarterbacks like Daniels and Williams have struggled, Nix has proved his worth, exceeding expectations even though many draft analysts thought he was selected too early. Denver’s head coach, Sean Payton, was high on Nix from the start and has done a great job developing him.
Adding to the praise, ESPN analyst Damien Woody, a former NFL offensive lineman, also lauds Nix. On the show “Get Up,” Woody stated that Nix would be the first quarterback taken in a redraft and predicted he could be named Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Broncos 2024 Draft Class
- First round: Bo Nix, QB
- Third round: Jonah Elliss, Edge
- Fourth round: Troy Franklin, WR
- Fifth round: Kris Abrams-Draine, CB
- Fifth round: Audric Estime, RB
- Seventh round: Devaughn Vele, WR
- Seventh round: Nick Gargiulo, OL
In addition to Nix, the Broncos found immediate contributors in Jonah Elliss and Audric Estime. Troy Franklin has shown glimpses of stardom, and Devaughn Vele has been one of the draft’s top value picks, currently ranking third on the team in receptions.
The Broncos nailed this draft, but Nix’s presence is what will have the most lasting impact. His development has been the key factor in transforming the team from a supposed bottom-dweller into a legitimate playoff contender in just a few months.
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