In the 2024 NFL draft, the Denver Broncos had their sights set on the sixth quarterback off the board.
Amidst a pool of top-tier defensive prospects, the Broncos opted to secure former Oregon quarterback Bo Nix with the 12th overall selection on Thursday evening.
Since Peyton Manning’s triumphant Super Bowl victory in 2015, the Broncos have cycled through 13 starting quarterbacks without finding a postseason breakthrough.
Their playoff absence over the past eight years coincides with seven consecutive losing seasons, compounded by the specter of division rival Patrick Mahomes orchestrating three Super Bowl triumphs for the Kansas City Chiefs in the last five years.
Speculation abounded that the Broncos might need to maneuver up the draft board to land a coveted quarterback, but with three first-round picks traded since 2022, including two in the ill-fated Russell Wilson deal, they remained stagnant.
Fortunately, no additional draft capital was sacrificed to secure Nix, who emerged as the sixth quarterback chosen behind Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, Michael Penix Jr., and J.J. McCarthy.
Nix enters a quarterback room featuring newly acquired Zach Wilson, traded for earlier in the week, and incumbent Jarrett Stidham, who saw limited action last season following Russell Wilson’s benching by coach Sean Payton.
Despite Russell Wilson’s departure to the Pittsburgh Steelers, his hefty contract ensures he remains the highest-paid player on the Broncos’ roster, with Denver footing the majority of his 2024 salary.
Following a stellar tenure at Auburn, Nix flourished during his time at Oregon, amassing an impressive 74 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while boasting a completion rate nearing 75% over 27 games.
Now, Nix stands poised to shepherd the Broncos out of their prolonged slump, expressing gratitude to the organization for their belief in him and acknowledging the arduous journey ahead.
His selection marks the Broncos’ first foray into the first round since 2021, when they secured cornerback Patrick Surtain II with the ninth overall pick.
