Broncos HC gives puzzling assessment of first impression of Bo Nix

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Broncos' Sean Payton gives a puzzling assessment of his first impression of Bo Nix

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 5/13/24

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton was trying to pay 2024 first-round pick Bo Nix a compliment.

But his assessment of Nix’s performance following Saturday’s rookie minicamp practice came close to sounding like a subconsciously veiled jab at his rookie QB.

“Location of throws — he had two or three down the field throws, it's almost like watching a good golfer,” Payton told reporters. “Sometimes when you watch his game…there's a patience to how he plays, the ball comes out and I don’t want to use the term ‘boring’ because that’s not the right term, but [he makes] pretty good decisions, the efficiency with each play, all of that.”

Payton did clarify that Nix had a good practice and is handling the installation of a new offense well. The 24-year-old rookie concurred, saying his goal during the rookie minicamp is to learn as much as he can without making the same mistake twice.

QB Bo Nix on the opportunity to play for the #Broncos. Loved this answer@KOAColorado @BroncosRadio pic.twitter.com/Oo3s1mp0Ka
— Ryan Edwards (@redwardsradio) May 11, 2024

Nix, who led the NCAA with a 77.4 completion percentage in 2023 and threw for 4,508 yards, 45 touchdowns and three interceptions, will be competing for the starting job with 27-year-old veteran Jarrett Stidham and 24-year-old former No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson.

Stidham started two games for the Broncos at the end of last season, completing 60.6 percent of his passes for 496 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

Wilson started 12 games for the New York Jets following Aaron Rodgers’ Achilles injury. He threw for 2,271 yards, eight touchdowns and seven interceptions but was benched for ineffectiveness near the end of November.

Payton acknowledged there’s an open competition between all three players, though he declined to specify how he plans on dividing up snaps and playing time as he tried to figure out which QB should be the Week 1 starter.

“With young guys, the reps are important,” he said. “We’ll have a rotation and go from there.”

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