Bo Nix’s 2022 was stellar. Nix exceeded expectations weekly, both passing and running the football. But heading into 2023, there seems to be a question as to whether or not that spectacular play was a fluke or indicative of Nix’s ability.
Some in the media seem to expect Nix to take a step back in 2023. One example of this is On3’s recent Heisman favorites ranking that excluded Nix, despite the fact that he was set to be a Heisman finalist for most of 2022 until his late-season injury.
Others however, seem to expect a lot of Nix next season. Pro Football Focus (PFF) released an article that details eight players across college football that have the highest potential to raise their NFL draft stock in 2023, one of which was Bo Nix.
Cody Milardo, the article’s author, had this to say:
“After three middling seasons with the Auburn Tigers, Nix enjoyed a breakout campaign following his transfer to Oregon in 2022. The former four-star recruit compiled a 74.5 overall grade during his first three seasons, before rebounding with a career-best 86.8 mark in his first year in Eugene. Nix has flashed elite arm talent and dynamic playmaking skills out of structure in his career but has lacked the consistency to be considered a first-round caliber QB. After cutting his turnover-worthy play rate by more than half (3.8% in 2021 to 1.7% in 2022) and leading all Power 5 QBs with an 82.3% adjusted completion percentage in 2022, Nix could propel himself into the first-round conversation by building on last year’s strong performance in 2023.”
It was detailed in the article that in order for Nix to elevate his draft favor, he needs to build on his 2022, not recreate it.
Hopefully, Nix will prove that he is the real deal next fall and that last season was not a fluke. The best way for him to be successful and improve his draft hopes is by limiting his interceptions. Nix favors a fast and aggressive style of play, which naturally creates a high-risk, high-reward offense. If Nix can limit his turnovers like he did last season he will see his aggressiveness continue to pay dividends by ending drives in Ducks’ touchdowns.
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