NFL Exec: Bo Nix to Have Best Rookie Season over Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix was the sixth signal-caller off the board in this year's NFL draft, but some around the league believe that he'll have the best season out of any rookie quarterback.

According to The Athletic's Jeff Howe, two voters in the annual preseason awards poll picked Nix to be the best rookie over the likes of Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears or Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders.

"Because of Sean Payton," an executive said of his reasoning for choosing Nix. Another coach added, "Sean will have him going."

Payton named Nix the starting quarterback for the 2024 season prior to Denver's final preseason game. The Oregon product beat out veteran Jarrett Stidham and fourth-year signal-caller Zach Wilson for the starting job, making him the first rookie to start a season opener for the Broncos since John Elway in 1983.

"Obviously, that's great to share with such a great player as John Elway,'' Nix said after being named the starter. "... You just want to go out there and get the first win, ultimately compete at a high level and give your team the best chance to win."

Payton said at the time that the 2024 No. 12 pick did enough during practice and the preseason to prove he was the right person for the job.

"We're not in a hurry to arrive at those type of decisions, we want to see it,'' Payton said. "... He's been outstanding. Obviously there's a ton of room for growth, a lot of things he needs to work on ... but there is a maturity level with him."

Nix threw for 125 yards and a touchdown in his preseason debut against the Indianapolis Colts and followed that up with 80 yards and a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers. Over his two appearances, he completed 23 of his 29 passes and led the Broncos to scoring drives on six of the seven possessions he played.

Denver is not expected to be in contention for a playoff spot this year, so Nix will not have too much pressure on his shoulders in his first season. He could surprise many by outperforming the other quarterbacks in his draft class.