Sean Payton made history in the 2024 NFL Draft by selecting a quarterback in the first round for the first time in his career. The Denver Broncos, under Payton’s guidance, chose Oregon Ducks’ standout Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick, marking a significant departure from Payton’s previous draft strategies.
Nix had long been rumored as a perfect fit for Payton’s offensive scheme, and the Broncos’ decision to draft him speaks volumes about their confidence in his abilities. Payton expressed his enthusiasm for Nix during an interview with ESPN’s Pat McAfee, hailing him as the “most accurate passer in college football history.” He highlighted Nix’s impressive statistics, particularly his performance on third down, in avoiding sacks, and in critical moments like two-minute drills.
"Bo Nix is super intelligent and he's the most accurate passer in College Football history..
He handles the protections and his arm strength is extremely impressive"
Sean Payton #PMSDraftSpectacular pic.twitter.com/R6sEAYEDPJ
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 26, 2024
Despite ongoing discussions about Nix’s arm strength, Payton was impressed by the quarterback’s skills and emphasized the importance of focusing on a player’s strengths rather than dwelling on perceived weaknesses. Payton’s endorsement of Nix was evident, with ESPN’s Adam Schefter reporting that Payton was determined not to repeat the mistake of passing on a talented quarterback, referencing his decision not to select Patrick Mahomes in the 2017 draft.
While comparisons between Nix and Mahomes may seem lofty, Payton’s unwavering belief in Nix underscores the significance of his selection for the Broncos. As the team looks to the future with their new quarterback, Payton’s confidence in Nix could prove pivotal in shaping the team’s success in the seasons to come.
