NFL executives believe Broncos HC Sean Payton, QB Bo Nix are great match

A couple of unnamed NFL executives aren't as down as some regarding the Broncos and head coach Sean Payton's decision to select Oregon quarterback Bo Nix as the 12th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.

"I’m betting on it [succeeding] heavily," one executive told Mike Sando of The Athletic. "Bo has experience, he has enough arm talent and I think he is going to do what he is coached to do. Sean Payton’s system is optimal for him. Bo is not going to go off-script as much as [former Denver quarterback Russell Wilson] was going to do. Look, I don’t want him to be successful, but I think he is going to be legit there."

Many criticized the Broncos last week for selecting a player at No. 12 who began April 25 with a second-round grade attached to his status in the eyes of analysts. Others, however, have named Nix the favorite to be Denver's Week 1 starter over journeyman Jarrett Stidham and former New York Jets flop Zach Wilson. 

Jeff Legwold of ESPN mentioned that Nix "can play far closer to par than [Stidham and Zach Wilson], not repeat mistakes too often, show progress on the learning curve and handle all that comes with the job when the football isn't in his hands." A different executive seemed to agree that Payton can and will do more with Nix than with the other two. 

"I’m not a Bo Nix fan, but if anybody can get something out of him, Sean could," that executive told Sando. "He’ll program that kid to do exactly what he wants every week. It won’t be enough the first year, but Sean will buy a third year to develop the kid and see if he can get him through." 

Meanwhile, a third executive said that Payton "had no choice but to take Bo" after quarterbacks Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, Michael Penix Jr. and J.J. McCarthy were all drafted between picks No. 1 and No. 10. 

As of early Friday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook listed Nix tied for sixth among the betting favorites at +1600 odds to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award for the upcoming campaign. Those who believe Nix will open the regular season atop Denver's depth chart may want to take a flier on such a wager this spring.