Tag: NFL rookie quarterbacks

5 things to know about Broncos quarterback Bo Nix

Bo Nix is a 24-year-old rookie who set the NCAA’s single-season completion record (77.45%) at Oregon. Now he’s the QB1 in Denver.

The Denver Broncos are set to start Bo Nix when they go on the road to face the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season on Sunday.

Nix (6-2, 217 pounds) was picked by the Broncos in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft (12th overall). After beating out veterans Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson in a quarterback competition this summer, Nix will become Denver’s first rookie quarterback to start in Week 1 since John Elway (1983).

Nix is one of three rookie quarterbacks set to start in Week 1 this season, joining Caleb Williams (Chicago Bears) and Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders).

Nix was born in Arkadelphia, Arkansas and raised in Pinson Valley, Alabama. In high school, he was coached by his father, Patrick Nix, a former Auburn quarterback who has been coaching since 1996.

Nix signed a four-year, $18.61 million contract with the Broncos in May and bought a $4 million home in Castle Rock two months later. The rookie quarterback picked jersey No. 10 — which he wore in high school and college — and his jersey was one of the best-sellers in the NFL this offseason.

Nix has been compared to Drew Brees thanks to his fast processing and efficient passing, two traits that Brees perfected with Sean Payton. Nix has been flattered by the Brees comparisons, but the rookie knows he needs to make his own mark in the NFL.

Here are five more Nix tidbits to know going into Week 1.

1. Where did Bo Nix go to college?

(Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

Nix started his college career at Auburn, where his dad played. After three seasons with the Tigers, Nix transferred to the Oregon Ducks. He ended up playing five years in college and set an NCAA record with 61 career starts. Nix was named the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year in 2023 after winning the Fiesta Bowl at Oregon. He also won the 2022 Holiday Bowl.

2. How old is Bo Nix?

(Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports)

After playing five years at the college level, Nix enters the NFL as a 24-year-old rookie. He is older than a typical rookie, but still the sixth-youngest starting quarterback in the NFL this season. Teammates and coaches have noted that Nix’s extensive college experience has translated to the NFL well as the QB is more mature and composed than a typical rookie.

3. Bo Nix stats

(Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)

Nix set an NCAA single-season record with a 77.45% completion rate last season and he finished third in Heisman Trophy voting. In two seasons at Oregon, Nix threw for 8,101 yards and 74 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. Nix ended his time in college with a 43-18 record. In two preseason games this summer, Nix went 23-of-30 passing for 205 yards with two touchdown passes and no turnovers (and no sacks).

4. Bo Nix fantasy football names

(Photo by Tyler Schank/Getty Images)

Popular Bo Nix fantasy football team names include Super Bo or Bust, Hooked On BoNix, Bo Throws, If it’s broke Bo Nix it, Nixing the Competition, Don’t Stop Bolieving, Duck Duck Bo, BoNix Horseman, Bo Knows, It’s Bo Time, Seal Team Nix, Bo Knows Football, Nix Six, Just Bo It, BObi-Wan Kenobi, Big Nix Energy, Nix and Chill, Maybe Nix Year, Nix for Six, Casa Bo-Nita, Bo Nix-A-Lot, Nix-on Administration and Bolieve.

5. How many quarterbacks have the Broncos had since Peyton Manning?

The Broncos have gone through 13 different starting quarterbacks since Peyton Manning’s retirement in 2016. Nix is set to become No. 14 today.

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Where the NFL’s rookie quarterbacks have shined, and where they need to improve

Mark Schofield takes stock of the rookie quarterback class, showing what they have done well, and where they can still improve.

A common theme emerged last spring.

This was a bad class of rookie quarterbacks.

Perhaps that view has shifted. Over the past few weeks we have seen the rookie passers take the field, and in many instances, they have outperformed expectations. Kenny Pickett is pushing for the starting job in Pittsburgh, Malik Willis’ game seems to translate well to the NFL, Desmond Ridder seems ready to handle the starting role in Atlanta, and Sam Howell is pushing Carson Wentz in Washington.

Even players who went in later rounds — or even undrafted — are making strong cases for roster spots.

Let’s dive into the rookie passers who have seen significant playing time this preseason and highlight what they have done well, and where they can still improve.

Carolina fans, unfortunately Matt Corral, who was lost for the season with a Lisfranc injury, is not part of the analysis here due to his limited action.