Bo Nix

The 12th overall pick in this year’s draft, Nix seemingly has little competition for the starting job in Denver with only career-backup Jarrett Stidham and first-round bust Zach Wilson standing in his way. Nix’s best attribute is avoiding negative plays, as he threw 26 INTs in five years as a collegiate starter and took 10 sacks in two years at Oregon. Nix is a skilled passer, though he doesn’t have the arm talent of others in his draft. Oregon’s offense didn’t ask him to do much downfield, instead feeding a heavy diet of screen passes, which is largely how he set the NCAA single-season record for completion percentage (77.4) last season. Indeed, his 6.8 average target depth was the lowest in this year’s draft. At 6-2, 214, Nix is athletic and can throw on the run, but he lacks an elite trait. Coach Sean Payton is keen on his quick release and processing ability fitting well in his offense -- a la Drew Brees when he no longer had the arm to attack deep -- and if anyone is NFL ready it should be Nix, who made an NCAA-record 61 QB starts. The Broncos drafted Oregon teammate Troy Franklin to join Courtland Sutton and an otherwise lackluster wideout corps, and Nix should at least have rushing upside after posting 1,613 yards and 38 TDs in college. Read Past Outlooks