NFL Draft 2024 Rumors: Broncos 'Quietly Did A Lot of Work' on Bo Nix Amid QB Buzz

The Denver Broncos traded for Zach Wilson, but that might not take them out of the quarterback game during Thursday's NFL draft.

Albert Breer of The MMQB reported Tuesday that the AFC West team "quietly did a lot of work on Oregon QB Bo Nix—they had an hour-long Zoom with him on March 7, then sent a Sean Payton-led contingent to Eugene to work him out on March 18."

Breer noted the "interest is there" but also acknowledged that Denver not having a second-round pick "could complicate" its efforts to potentially land Nix.

If Denver truly fell in love with Nix, it could use the No. 12 overall pick on him.

Still, that might be a bit rich for a quarterback who could be the fifth or sixth player at his own position selected with Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy and maybe Michael Penix Jr. potentially going ahead of him.

Perhaps the Broncos could trade into the second round if Nix is still available. B/R's NFL Scouting Department projected Nix to go No. 34 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders in its most recent mock draft, which is the second overall pick of the second round.

Denver's quarterback room of Wilson, Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci is not exactly one that will inspire wonder around the league. Wilson has failed to live up to the expectations that surrounded him as the No. 2 overall pick of the 2021 draft, and the others are likely better suited to be backups.

Head coach Sean Payton, who worked with Drew Brees during his time with the New Orleans Saints, surely knows this even if he believes a change of scenery from the New York Jets could help Wilson turn things around as his career continues.

Nix was the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year this past season while completing 77.4 percent of his passes for 4,508 yards, 45 touchdowns and three interceptions.

His accuracy on underneath routes, ability to avoid pressure with his legs and tendency to avoid turnovers are surely intriguing to NFL teams, including the Broncos.

But it might take some type of trade or a surprising early pick for Nix to end up in Denver.