More often than not, the NFL Draft works just like economics. It’s a matter of supply and demand, and players can become more valuable depending on how many teams want or need them. That’s why the 2024 NFL Draft saw several quarterbacks going ahead of where they would’ve gone on a big board or in any other edition, as multiple teams were in desperate need of a signal-caller. Notably, that includes Bo Nix. Despite being touted as a late first-round pick, the Denver Broncos took him with the No. 12 selection, as the Las Vegas Raiders also needed a quarterback and were slated to pick right after them. Nonetheless, even though he’s almost two years older than three of the first-round quarterbacks, and his ceiling might not be as high as others, Broncos GM George Paton believes his experience makes him more NFL-ready than some of his colleagues (via Around the NFL):
“You look at it, it’s hard because this is new, but 24 years old is not that old for football,” Paton said. “You evaluate it, but you’re really evaluating the player, you’re evaluating the person. Evaluate how they fit in with the organization, especially for a quarterback.”
Broncos GM George Paton believes Bo Nix “more game-ready” than younger QBshttps://t.co/sfpto1BEep pic.twitter.com/qWXGhFHT7d
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) April 29, 2024
Nix played for Auburn and Oregon, so he’s used to the pressure. Also, he seems to be a solid fit for Sean Payton’s system, which was another factor to consider. The Broncos desperately need this to work out, as they’ve had a lot of different starting quarterbacks since Peyton Manning retired. So, even if this pick was a bit of a reach, he was just what the organization needed to do at the moment.
