When Draft day came around in April, Sean Payton landed Bo Nix brilliantly by finessing the Raiders.
It’s become clear in recent months that Payton had his eye on Nix the whole time, even when the team said they were interested in J.J. McCarthy.
And Payton’s intention of drafting Nix was recently confirmed on Scoop City, The Athletic’s podcast.
Sean Payton landed Bo Nix, called Raiders to see if they wanted move up
Payton is an offensive guru. He led the New Orleans Saints to three NFC Championships and won a Super Bowl, with his top-5 offenses leading the way.
Denver’s head coach knows an offense can’t be elite without a great quarterback. His was led by Drew Brees for 15 years. That’s why Payton focused on getting a quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft.
And not just any quarterback; Sean Payton focused on Bo Nix.
Sean Payton is enamored with Bo Nix.
So when did Denver’s head coach know he wanted the Broncos to draft the Oregon product?
All it took was 16 throws.
More tomorrow, with @DMRussini and @ChaseDaniel, on Scoop City.https://t.co/0HIw9AW3wd pic.twitter.com/eVmISnM3or
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) August 19, 2024
Going all-in on a rookie quarterback–the sixth of that draft–in a move that could define your tenure is ballsy. It simultaneously says something about Payton’s evaluation process and Nix’s abilities.
“Well, I know this,” Payton continued. “There were a few other teams that saw it the same way. We stopped the tape and I said, ‘George [Paton], I’m just going to say this, we’re not the only ones seeing it this way.’”
The Broncos head coach liked what he saw in Nix so much, he knew other evaluators would catch on, too.
On top of that, there were many quarterback-needy teams in the top-6 of the NFL Draft. Chicago took Caleb Williams, followed by Washington selecting Jayden Daniels, and New England took Drake Maye. That left the “second tier” QBs, Michael Penix, McCarthy, and Nix.
Then things got interesting. The Giants could’ve taken a quarterback, but didn’t, and then the Falcons took Penix despite signing Kirk Cousins this offseason.
“You try to simulate what you think’s going to happen,” Payton said to Chase Daniel and Dianna Russini. “We thought the Giants were going to be an at-large team, not necessarily for Bo, but for quarterback. Are they taking one or not? And then they didn’t.
“The Jets are still on the clock, and I said to George, ‘Call the Jets. Just call them.’ We don’t want to move up unnecessarily a pick or two. I don’t want anything happening like Kansas City [with Mahomes in 2017, jumping Payton and the Saints]. Then it was like, ‘Call the Raiders. Tell them we might want to move back.’ They didn’t want to move up. And there was this minute where we’ll stay put and the Jets make their pick and here we are.”
Payton and Paton played the Raiders, who still need a long-term quarterback, by feeling them out. The Broncos brass slyly took Las Vegas’ temperature on Nix, without revealing their hand.
What Payton revealed was a unique glimpse into his and the Broncos’ draft process.
It’s a move to be celebrated. Because taking the Oregon Duck at QB could define the short and long-term future of the Broncos. And Payton’s tenure as head coach, too.
Sean Payton names Bo Nix starter ahead of season opener
In an expected move, Nix was named starter on Wednesday morning, 18 days until Denver’s season kicks off.
The rookie straight up out-played Zach Wilson and Jarrett Stidham in training camp and the preseason. On top of that, as a first-round pick, there’s almost no way the Broncos weren’t going to start Nix.
Did he play great in two preseason games? Yes. But keep in mind the Broncos offense didn’t face starters with him under center.
That’s why Broncos Country needs to take it easy on the youngster this year.
Nix is the first rookie to start for the Broncos since John Elway did in 1984, 40 years ago. And Elway, despite growing into a legend, was so bad his first year he was benched. Similarly, Peyton Manning threw an NFL record 28 interceptions as a rookie before becoming legendary.
The Broncos have been predicted to be one of the worst teams in the NFL this year. That was before Nix started lighting things up in the preseason, giving fans hope.
Still, a lot depends on Nix’s play, along with the turnover of playmakers. Defensively, new starters at all three levels could hurt the team to start the year.
So, if and when the Broncos play poorly this season, keep in mind the possible long-term solution to the QB conundrum in the Mile High City.