Broncos draft Oregon QB Bo Nix with No. 12 overall pick in 2024 NFL Draft

The Denver Broncos might have Russell Wilson's successor.

With the 12th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday, the Broncos selected Oregon QB Bo Nix -- arguably higher than anyone could have imagined him going not too long ago. But as soon as the Atlanta Falcons made the surprise pick of Michael Penix Jr., that made it five quarterbacks drafted in the first 10 selections.

Sean Payton and the Broncos had to know that they couldn't get cute if they wanted Nix. There was no trading down from 12 and expecting Nix to still be on the board. But it's possible that Payton has the perfect fit for his system in Denver.

The Heisman Trophy finalist enters the NFL with loads of experience, having started 61 games at Oregon and Auburn over five seasons. Nix won the starting gig at Auburn as a freshman and played under multiple coordinators in three seasons with the Tigers before becoming a Duck in 2022. Under Oregon head coach Dan Lanning, Nix shined.

Nix showed an ability to get the ball out rapidly, thriving in Oregon's zone-read, quick-strike offense, which also will show up in the Broncos' playbook, too -- much like how Drew Brees operated with Payton's scheme in New Orleans.

At 6-foot-2, 214 pounds, Nix is solidly built and he sports big hands (10 1/8 inches). A starter from the jump, Nix was productive throughout his five-year college career but blew up in Eugene.

In three seasons at Auburn, Nix put up 7,251 passing yards with 39 touchdowns and 16 interceptions over 34 games. He ranks No. 3 in Auburn history in passing yards. In two campaigns at Oregon, Nix netted 8,101 yards with 74 touchdowns and 10 INTs. He set single-season records at Oregon for passing yards, completions and TD tosses.

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