Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix is entering his second season as a pro off a historic rookie campaign, with a slew of new high-level teammates, and surrounded by a well-respected coaching staff.
Fittingly, opinions of Nix are likewise optimistic heading into training camp.
Former Pro Bowl QB Robert Griffin III, who spent nine years in the league before becoming an analyst, called Nix the “most underrated” passer in the league in a post on X on July 10.
Former Broncos Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons believes in Nix with head coach Sean Payton.
“When the head of the ship feels confident and is ready to lead and is projecting that … the rest of the guys follow suit,” Simmons said, per The Denver Post’s Sean Keeler in comments published on July 9.
“With Sean and Bo, the marriage right now is just flowing great. They both get each other. They both understand each other. And they’re both in each other’s corner.”
Simmons believes the chemistry Nix and Payton have can lead to “continued success.”
Bo Nix Could Have Chance at MVP Candidacy
GettyBo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos looks on before facing the New Orleans Saints.
Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon picked Nix as one of eight players around the league who have the “best chances to turn into superstars.” Moreover, Gagnon listed Nix in the No. 1 spot, although it is unclear if that indicates a ranking or simply how it was written.
According to Gagnon, “Nix flashed as a rookie,” but did not consistently perform at a star level.
“In 2025, though, that could happen,” Gagnon wrote on July 11. “The 25-year-old threw nine touchdown passes to just one interception for a 126.0 passer rating in his final three games as a rookie, and he enters his sophomore campaign extremely well-supported by a defense that ranked third in the NFL with 18.3 points allowed per game in 2024 and an offensive line that is strong across the board with no major offseason changes to tackle.
“Under Sean Payton, I can see Nix leading the Broncos to an upset AFC West crown as he becomes a legit MVP candidate in 2025.”
Bo Nix went on a real adventure on this one. He slips out of a Bud Dupree DDT attempt, escapes another pressure, runs away from two defenders, and taunts 0 for not being able to catch him while down by 20 points
Nix completed 66.3% of his passes for 3,775 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions during the 2024 regular season. He set the Broncos’ franchise rookie record for passing attempts, completions, touchdowns, and yards.
Nix added another 430 yards and 4 TDs on 92 carries for the Broncos.
Nix and the Broncos leaned on his legs less as 2024 wore on, which could be the case to start 2025. That, plus the team’s new additions, could elevate Nix, which bodes well for the Broncos.
Broncos’ Roster Built for QB ‘Like Bo Nix’
GettyBo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs.
ESPN’s Seth Walder gave the Broncos an “A-” for their work this offseason, noting re-signing defensive tackle D.J. Jones was his favorite and Denver’s “biggest” move, but also lamenting the lack of proven additions at wide receiver.
However, Walder also noted that Nix, while “fine” as a rookie, also flirted with “overrated” territory.
Even still, the Broncos are built to support him.
“We often talk about teams pushing their chips in when their quarterback is on a rookie contract, but there’s no requirement to use those chips on offense,” Walder wrote on July 10. “Bo Nix was fine (perhaps a little overrated) in his first season, ranking 18th in QBR with quite a bit of that value coming from his legs (he ranked 27th in yards per passing attempt and 28% in completion percentage over expectation). He could show growth in Year 2, but a team with a quarterback like Nix needs a stacked roster. Denver has that.”
The Broncos signed linebacker Dre Greenlaw, running back J.K. Dobbins, safety Talanoa Hufanga, and tight end Evan Engram in free agency. They drafted Pat Bryant, RJ Harvey, and still have Courtland Sutton, Devaughn Vele, Marvin Mims Jr., and Troy Franklin.
The Sean Payton grinch smile is back! Thoughts from Broncos OTA’s. – Bo Nix is in full command of the offense, he was consistently teaching routes. – Pat Bryant, and RJ Harvey looked good – No Pat Surtain or John-Franklin Myers, I expect both players to be at Mini-Camp
With a top-flight offensive line and defense, Nix could fall somewhere between game manager and superstardom in Year 2 after showing well with the Broncos as a rookie.
