When the Denver Broncos kick off training camp on July 26, quarterbacks Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham, and Zach Wilson will compete for the starting role. But is it a genuine contest?
In a recent episode of NFL Media’s “The Insiders,” analyst Bucky Brooks predicted that Nix — the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft — will be the Week 1 starter.
“He’s going to be the starting QB for the Broncos, barring injury,” Brooks stated. “And he’ll be the perfect fit for [head coach] Sean Payton’s system. If you look at [former New Orleans Saints QB] Drew Brees’ game, there are many similarities.”
Future Hall of Famer Brees excelled under Payton for 15 seasons in New Orleans. Although comparing Nix to Brees may be premature, Nix is a precise passer like the Super Bowl champion. According to Pro Football Focus, he led the FBS in adjusted completion percentage (85.5%) last season.
ESPN’s Jeff Legwold reported that Nix, Stidham, and Wilson shared reps with the first-team offense during OTAs and mandatory minicamp. He did not specify if this will continue in training camp. However, the 24-year-old has made a strong impression.
“It’s already become routine for Payton to praise his rookie quarterback,” wrote Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post. “While it’s too early to declare Nix the winner of the Broncos’ quarterback race, if he continues to meet or surpass Payton’s high expectations in August, he will be hard to beat.”
Stidham and Wilson offer limited potential. Former first-round pick Wilson threw more interceptions (25) than touchdowns (23) in three seasons with the New York Jets. Stidham, a 27-year-old journeyman, went 1-1 in two starts with Denver last season, with a below-average 31.1 QBR. Nix is much more seasoned than the typical rookie QB, with 61 FBS-record starts over five seasons at Auburn and Oregon.