The Denver Broncos’ first-round draft pick, Bo Nix, is in the thick of a quarterback competition with veterans Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson. Despite Nix’s promising start, head coach Sean Payton has maintained that the starting job is still up for grabs, leaving open the ever-so-slight possibility of a redshirt year for the rookie.
Shifting quarterback dynamics
While Payton has continued to state that the competition is still ongoing, recent developments suggest a potential shift in the dynamics.
Wilson’s reduced role in practice on Tuesday has sparked speculation about his standing with the Broncos. His absence from first-team reps raised eyebrows and fueled rumors about his future with the team. When asked if Wilson would get additional opportunities with the first-team offense moving forward, Payton answered, “We’ll see.”
Stidham brings a veteran presence to the Broncos’ quarterback room. While his playing style may lack the dynamism of a franchise quarterback, Stidham offers a reliable option. His experience and steady play make him a viable option should the Broncos choose to delay Nix’s ascent to the starting role.
Nix has showcased first-round talent throughout training camp and earned praise from his teammates. He’s impressed with his accuracy and ability to extend plays with his legs. While not flawless, Nix has demonstrated resilience by rebounding from mistakes and delivering consistent performances. His arm strength and ball placement are particularly noteworthy.
How successful are bridge quarterbacks?
On one hand, the argument for Nix to take a redshirt year sounds compelling. The NFL is a complex, fast-paced environment that requires significant adjustment from the college level. By backing Stidham up for a season, Nix could dedicate himself to studying the playbook, mastering the nuances of the pro-style offense, and developing a stronger rapport with his new teammates. It would also minimize the risk of injury and preserve his long-term potential.
However, Pro Football Focus has identified a concerning trend in recent bridge quarterbacks. Over the past five seasons, 12 quarterbacks were labeled as such. None of these quarterbacks managed a top-12 overall grade, and not one cracked the top 10 in passing grade during their stint as starters. In fact, only three managed to earn both overall and passing grades that ranked 16th or higher.
These quarterbacks also often fail to last an entire season and hinder a team’s overall performance. A prolonged quarterback competition could put the team at a disadvantage early in the season, making it difficult to climb back into contention, especially in the competitive AFC West division.
The data suggests a re-evaluation of the bridge quarterback strategy. Given the poor performance of veteran bridge quarterbacks in recent years, there’s little evidence to support their effectiveness. Starting a rookie quarterback offers a more promising approach, allowing for quicker player evaluation and development. While rookie mistakes are inevitable, the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term risks.
Based on what we’ve seen through a week or so of training camp, the Broncos would be wise to drop this “competition” and name Nix the starter if they wish to maximize his growth.