Bo Nix could be the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos and if that happens to open the season, it will be the first time since 1983 that the Broncos have had a rookie start the season at quarterback.
Despite several onlookers accusing the Broncos of reaching for Bo Nix with the No. 12 overall pick, the team was more than happy to get him.
Throughout the draft process, it was discussed how well he fit Sean Payton's offense. Nix has a quick release, he processes quite well and completed 77 percent of his throws last season. Those things are usually mentioned when a positive light is being shed on Nix.
But what about the stats and traits that are not talked about as much? There is a lot to like about this player and when looking at the complete package, he becomes a highly encouraging player for this team to have.
Bo Nix has some great stats and traits that go unnoticed
Rushing Yards
In today's NFL, a quarterback needs to be able to run the ball at least to some degree. Patrick Mahomes, the game's best passer, is quite efficient in the running game.
Nix was a pass-first quarterback in college but his rushing ability was well above average. He rushed for 1,613 yards in his college career and a whopping 38 touchdowns. He also averaged 4.0 yards per attempt.
He's not going to come into the NFL and be Lamar Jackson, but when a play breaks down, he can step up in the pocket and take off to help convert first downs.
Confidence
When reviewing Nix, scouts and analysts talk about his ability to run the offense and make the players better around him, his surprising arm strength, and the way he processes a play pre-snap. But have you ever noticed the confidence with which he plays?
Perhaps much of that can be attributed to playing in the high-powered offense at Oregon, which he was quite comfortable in, but he could easily get into that same kind of groove with Payton in Denver.
How much confidence does Dan Lanning have in Bo Nix before their game vs Washington?
— On3 VIDEO (@On3Video) October 13, 2023
"You can give Bo all the checks."
Dan Lanning Discusses with @Andy_Staples: pic.twitter.com/bmKlbno3nf
Confidence is one of the best personality traits a QB can have and Nix has it in spades.
He doesn't get sacked
Payton may not ever say it publicly, but seeing Russell Wilson get sacked as much as he did in 2023 drove him crazy. It likely had you yelling at your television screen too.
This is another situation where what he had to work with at Oregon must be mentioned, but the Ducks gave up the fewest sacks in the nation last year at just 0.4 per game. Nix was sacked only five times!
He will face much more sophisticated defenses and much better pass-rushers at the next level, but the fact that he rarely goes down is likely another reason Payton jumped on him in the draft.
