Broncos Name Bo Nix Their First Rookie Starter Since John Elway

The Broncos named Bo Nix their starting quarterback, the first rookie to lead the offense since Hall of Famer John Elway in 1983. Nix, who Denver drafted #12 overall, outplayed Jarrett Stidham and former first-rounder Zach Wilson in the team’s first two pre-season games, scoring on six of his seven possessions and going 8 of 9 for 80 yards and a touchdown against Green Bay. Five quarterbacks were taken ahead of Nix, and the New York Giants passed on him for receiver Malik Nabers, even though Nix entered the draft as the most experienced, playing in 61 college games. Nix began at Auburn, where his father was also a quarterback, but fell out of favor with new coaches, including three different offensive coordinators, and transferred to Oregon for his final two seasons, the later of which he was a Heisman finalist. He’s the Broncos' highest-drafted quarterback since Jay Cutler went 11th overall in 2006. Nix will be the first rookie to open a season for 18-year veteran head coach Sean Payton. He’s the 14th quarterback to start for the Broncos since their 2015 Super Bowl win behind Peyton Manning. Nix worked with Hall of Famer Philip Rivers in his off season. The Broncos begin their regular season September 8 at the Seahawks.