Is Bo Nix the Answer for Denver in Week 1?

The Broncos' selection of Bo Nix with the 12th pick in the first round left many scratching their heads, with most believing it to be a severe overdraft. Nix, combined with fellow young QBs Zach Wilson and Jared Stidham, will make up the QB room for Denver. With very little experience within that group, it's fair to question their potential and who will take the helm come Week 1.

Who Will Start Week 1?

The Favorite: Bo Nix

Being a first-round pick comes with heavy expectations. Nix won’t be exempt from this, especially as a player already 24 years old coming out of the draft. Sean Payton's comments about Nix post-draft suggest he is the favorite to start Week 1. Payton raved about Bo’s accuracy, mentioning how he was blown away during a private visit. He also highlighted Nix's ability to handle adversity, citing his transfer from Auburn to Oregon. If Bo can display these traits throughout training camp and the preseason, he could be the clear starter for Week 1.

A Second Chance: Zach Wilson

For Wilson, this will be his second franchise following his difficult tenure with the New York Jets. Wilson struggled mightily over his three-year career with the Jets, throwing 25 interceptions to only 23 touchdowns. With Aaron Rodgers poised to return healthy for Week 1, the Jets decided to move on. Despite an underwhelming start to his career as the second overall pick in 2021, Wilson still possesses the ability to make all the throws. With a fresh start in Denver, he has the opportunity to put it together. To beat out Nix and Stidham, Wilson will need to show significant improvements in his progressions and accuracy within the pocket.

A Shot in the Dark: Jarrett Stidham

Stidham showed promise in his most recent stint with Denver as a potential backup quarterback. However, as a starter, he hasn’t shown much to warrant himself as the guy on day one. He possesses a league-average arm with some good rushing ability. The only way Stidham could see the field right away is if injuries hit the other two quarterbacks.

With newly appointed head coach Sean Payton, renowned as a quarterback guru, it's exciting to see what he could potentially turn these quarterbacks into. From the outside, it’s fair to be skeptical due to the lack of success from the experienced players and the absence of standout traits in the top draft pick. Denver clearly has a lot of faith in Payton to turn this system around, starting with the man under center.