The Denver Broncos may have gotten the final rookie quarterback to be selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft, taking former Oregon Ducks QB Bo Nix with the No. 12 pick last April.
Because of his age — 24 years old — and the fact that he had started more college football games than any quarterback in the history of the sport, many projected that Nix would be a bust. His stats from both Auburn and Oregon were argued to be inflated, and the fact that he was older than several established QBs in the league turned some heads.
Leading up to the draft last year, Bleacher Report gave Nix a 75% chance to be a bust, saying "even with Nix's gaudy passing numbers, he doesn't have the 'it' factor with his arm talent. Nix's mobility will help him escape pocket pressure, but beyond that, he seems dependent on scheme rather than elevating an offense with his playmaking ability."
Broncos head coach Sean Payton wanted him, though, and took a chance on him with a first-round selection.
With that selection, they got one of the best rookie players in the entire league.
The former Heisman Trophy finalist earned more honors this year after his first season at the professional level, being named as a finalist for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. In his 17 games as a starter for the Broncos, Nix went 10-7, throwing for 3,775 yards, 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Nix also added 430 yards and 4 touchdowns on the ground as well.
(Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)
There were some questions about how good Nix would be in the NFL, since he was viewed as the last player in the group of elite QBs in the 2024 class. While Washington Commanders' QB Jayden Daniels is also up for the NFL OROY award, Nix is the only other QB. The other candidates are Daniels, Las Vegas Raiders TE Brock Bowers, New York Giants WR Malik Nabers, and Jacksonville Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr.
None of the other rookie passers taken in the first round — Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams (1), New England Patriots QB Drake Maye (3) , Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Penix (8), or Minnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy (11) — were up for the OROY honor.
At this point, Daniels is the heavy favorite to win the award, seeing as he has led the Commanders to a place in the NFC championship against the Philadelphia Eagles this coming week. In his 17 games, Daniels is 12-5, throwing for 3,568 yards, 25 TDs, and 9 INTs. The former Heisman Trophy winner has also gotten the job done with his legs, adding 891 yards and 6 TDs on the ground.
The NFL Honors will be announced on the night of February 6, a few days before Super Bowl LIX takes place on Feb. 9 in New Orleans.
