The Broncos put the Russell Wilson era in the rearview mirror during the 2024 offseason and quickly found a possible successor.
Denver spent the 12th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on Bo Nix, an accurate quarterback who spent five seasons as a starter at Auburn and Oregon.
Nix seemed like an ideal fit for Sean Payton's offense. He was experienced, had great mobility and earned Drew Brees comparisons because of his high-level accuracy.
Even so, there was no guarantee Nix would start immediately as a rookie. The Broncos had him compete with Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson for the starting job, and Stidham started Denver's first preseason game ahead of the rookie.
But after two preseason games, Payton decided he had seen enough of Nix to name him the starter. That makes him Denver's first rookie starting quarterback since John Elway in 1983.
Nix will look to find success in that role and provide the Broncos with a solid, steady presence at quarterback — something they have lacked since Peyton Manning's final season in 2015.
Here's a look at how Nix won the starting job so quickly during his rookie season.
IYER: NFL rookie stock watch after preseason Week 2
Bo Nix stats, preseason highlights
Nix won Denver's starting job thanks to his strong performance across his first two preseason games. He quickly got comfortable in the Broncos offense and helped lead the team to two victories over the Colts and Packers.
Across those two games (one start), Nix completed 23 of 30 passes for 205 yards. He logged two touchdowns, no turnovers and posted the second-highest passer rating in the NFL among qualified quarterbacks behind only Mac Jones.
Below is a full look at Nix's stats, and ranks among qualified quarterbacks, over his first two preseason games.
| Stat | Total | Rank |
| Comp. % | 76.7 | 2nd |
| Passing yards | 205 | 14th |
| Pass TDs | 2 | T-2nd |
| INTs | 0 | T-Best |
| Passer rating | 116.7 | 2nd |
Nix's penchant for avoiding turnovers had to catch the eye of Payton, who benefitted from having the efficient Drew Brees run his offense for more than a decade in New Orleans.
And Payton should also be pleased with Nix's poise in the pocket. He was willing to hang in there, read the field and use his solid arm to get the ball to his top receivers, just as he did on this 23-yard strike to Courtland Sutton.
Bo Nix to Courtland Sutton for 23 yards!
— NFL (@NFL) August 19, 2024
📺: #GBvsDEN on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/3BccZR18Fg
Nix's skills on the run were arguably more impressive. He consistently showed an ability to complete passes on the run and off-platform to keep Denver's drives going.
Bo Nix looking comfortable out there 🔥
— NFL (@NFL) August 19, 2024
He finds Tim Patrick for the @Broncos TD!
📺: #GBvsDEN on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/zUCHmJT6Cp
Above all else, Nix looked comfortable in Denver's offense. He even addressed it after the Broncos' 27-2 win over the Packers in preseason Week 2.
"I think it's a really good fit," Nix said when asked if the Broncos offense suited his skillset, per ESPN. "Especially [Sunday], I came out here and was very comfortable with the first few plays that were called. They were kind of keeping it within my comfort level, and that's huge, especially for someone's who's trying to get in there and execute. You want to run plays that you feel comfortable with, and that's what coach Payton was calling."
That synergy between Nix and Payton helped the rookie earn the starting job. Now, the 24-year-old will look to carry his positive momentum into the season and put together a quality rookie season.
MORE: Why Caleb Williams is keeping tabs on his haters during his rookie season
Broncos QB depth chart
Below is a look at the Broncos' quarterback depth chart, which is three signal-callers deep.
| Rank | Player |
| 1 | Bo Nix |
| 2 | Jarrett Stidham |
| 3 | Zach Wilson |
Nix is now atop the Broncos' quarterback depth chart and he figures to be backed up Stidham, who started the first preseason game and began the offseason as the Broncos' starting quarterback. The 2019 third-round pick out of Auburn has a 1-3 record in four career starts and has completed 59.4 percent of his passes for 1,422 yards, eight touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Meanwhile, Wilson figures to stay on as a developmental project. The 25-year-old was a three-year starter for the Jets after being the No. 2 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft but posted just a 12-21 record.
Wilson has completed 57 percent of his passes for 6,293 yards, 23 touchdowns and 25 interceptions during his career. The Broncos are hoping a fresh start can help him, but they will see what type of progress he makes as the team's No. 3 quarterback.
