Rival Scout Thinks Sean Payton, Bo Nix Could Be ‘Really Strong Personality and Scheme Fit’

The Atlanta Falcons' shocking selection of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick took some of the heat off the Denver Broncos, who drafted Bo Nix 12th overall.

Many draft experts — including Athlon’s Luke Easterling — did not have Round 1 grades on Nix, but Sean Payton said he feels as strongly about the Heisman Trophy finalist out of Oregon as he did about Patrick Mahomes back in 2017.

An anonymous scout isn’t as bullish on Nix as Payton, though they do think the pairing could work.

“Sean Payton has a sound plan for developing Bo Nix,” the scout told Athlon Sports for the 2024 Preview magazine . “He’s definitely a system quarterback and a bit of a know-it-all, but we thought the kid was smart and coachable. I could see Payton and Nix being a really strong personality and scheme fit.”

Nix was criticized in the pre-draft process for his arm strength, but he’s an efficient, experienced passer who got the ball out quickly in college. Those are skills Payton can work with, and the key difference between Nix and Russell Wilson is that Payton signed up for the Nix experience rather than the arranged marriage that fell apart over the last two seasons in Denver.

The scout called Jarrett Stidham, who started two games for the Broncos in 2023, a “decent backup.” Stidham has a leg up on the rookie, having been in Payton’s system for a season, but Nix’s draft capital will make it hard to keep him off the field if he’s not already the starter by Week 1. Zach Wilson was also added to the quarterback room, which together makes a fraction of what Russell Wilson will count against the Broncos’ cap in 2024.

The much-maligned Denver defense, which infamously gave up 70 points to the Dolphins last season, also drew some praise from the scout. Beyond Patrick Surtain II, widely hailed as one of the NFL’s best defensive backs, the scout said run-stuffing defensive tackle D.J. Jones has worked out well so far.

And as for offseason additions, the scout lauded the trade for defensive end John Franklin-Myers and the signing of Brandon Jones, who “gives the Broncos some size and speed at safety.”

Denver has not had a winning season since 2016 and has not made the playoffs since 2015. It’s unlikely that either of those droughts end this season in a stacked AFC and in a division with Patrick Mahomes. But perhaps Payton and Nix can show some signs of progress this season.

Related: Denver Broncos 2024 NFL Season Preview: Sean Payton’s Legacy at Stake

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