In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos made history by selecting Oregon quarterback Bo Nix with the No. 12 overall pick. This marked the sixth quarterback taken in the first round, the fewest number of signal-callers selected in NFL Draft history. The selection of Nix was unexpected, especially after the Atlanta Falcons made a surprising move by selecting Michael Penix Jr. Additionally, the Minnesota Vikings traded up to take J.J. McCarthy at No. 10, leading to the Broncos landing Nix. He will be joining a crowded quarterback room in Denver that includes Jarrett Stidham, Ben DiNucci, and Zach Wilson, who was recently acquired from the New York Jets.
The Broncos found themselves in need of a quarterback in this year’s draft after trading for Russell Wilson two seasons ago, only for that arrangement to not work out. The team released Wilson and took on a significant dead cap hit to make way for a new era at quarterback. Nix will now have the opportunity to compete for the role of the future quarterback in Denver under head coach Sean Payton. His collegiate career began at Auburn, where he played for three seasons without standing out. Nix then transferred to Oregon in 2022, where he had a breakout season in 2023, throwing for 4,509 yards, 45 touchdowns, and completing 77.4% of his passes.
The Broncos are hoping that Nix can continue his impressive performance at the NFL level. He will have the support of talented receivers like Courtland Sutton and Josh Reynolds, with the possibility of bringing in more offensive weapons through later draft picks. Nix will need to prove himself in a quarterback competition in Denver before he can establish connections with his new teammates on the field. The team’s coaching staff will be keeping a close eye on Nix as he adjusts to the NFL and works to secure the starting quarterback position for the Broncos.
Overall, Nix’s selection by the Broncos in the 2023 NFL Draft represents a significant moment in the team’s history. With the fewest number of quarterbacks taken in the first round in NFL Draft history, Nix faces high expectations as he transitions to the professional level. The team’s decision to move on from Russell Wilson and place their faith in Nix signals a new direction for the Broncos’ offense. It remains to be seen how Nix will fare in his rookie season and whether he can live up to the potential he showed in college. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Nix competes for the starting quarterback role in Denver and looks to make an impact in the NFL.
