Michael Penix wasn’t the only controversial quarterback selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Four picks after the Falcons selected Penix, the Broncos selected Oregon star Bo Nix with the 12th pick.
After a whirlwind of quarterbacks (half of the first 12 picks at the position), some felt Denver reached for the 24-year-old Knicks.
“I promise you, I’ve talked to at least 10 players in the league who are top evaluators and decision makers within their organizations. Are there any other first-round picks (Bo Nix)?” There wasn’t,” draft expert Todd McShay, who was part of ESPN’s cutbacks last summer, said during an appearance on the show. “Rayen Rusillo’s Podcast” on friday.
“But now he’s in Sean Payton’s system, and Sean loves him and they’re going to work together…I think he’s ultimately better in Denver than anywhere else in the league.” I think he’s going to be a player.” Second round pick. But, well, this is an arrogant choice. ”
McShay, who said he thought of the Knicks as a backup, explained that based on the film he’s seen so far, the Denver-Knicks experiment is “hard to buy,” but Payton could make it work. He may be one of the few.
“No need to pat Sean Payton on the back. He doesn’t have to prove anything at this point,” McShay said. “But if he can coach Bo Nix to a Pro Bowl-type player and they can go deep in the playoffs with this guy, that’s better than any coaching job he’s ever done.” [Saints quarterback] This is Drew Brees. ” Brees was great, they won the Super Bowl [together in 2010]But his skill set translated further [when he teamed up with Payton] More so than Bo Nix. ”
Meet up at Lucas Oil Stadium. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
“It all depends on the work we do with Sean Payton and Bo Nix. So it’s always, ‘F you,’ hey, you guys don’t think he’s a starter, we’re going to take him in the second round.” Yeah, something like that. I’m going to take him at 12 o’clock and chase the Super Bowl. ”
McShay’s comment precedes the post Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer During a pre-draft meeting in Eugene, Oregon, the Broncos detailed why they acquired Knicks.
The contents of Knicks’ backpack confirmed what the Broncos had heard about the Heisman candidate.
“Nix reached inside, picked up a roll of tape, and explained that he needed it on his ankle if he was going to train,” Breyer wrote of the three-hour meeting. “He also said he would take out his spare football cleats and lacrosse ball and use them to stretch his back. And the things that weren’t in the bag were just as important. Everything related to football. It was all about that.
The Broncos were reportedly impressed with Knicks after he successfully recalled three days’ worth of offensive play installations on the eve of a private workout.
Payton coordinated with general manager George Payton to silence the Broncos’ intentions at quarterback.
“I was an active participant in pretending we were moving forward.” Peyton said He said with a smile at a press conference on Friday.
Peyton also explained: He believes the Knicks are ‘ready to compete’ That would be expected considering the QB’s combined experience starting 61 games at Auburn and Oregon.
This is part of a new era for the Broncos after releasing Russell Wilson, who went 11-19 in his two seasons in Denver, and Payton, who had a controversial one season with him. It seemed like it was the season.
Denver brought Payton in ahead of the 2023 season to turn things around, making him their highest-paid coach with a five-year contract worth an estimated $18 million.
Wilson signed a one-year contract with the Steelers after being released by the Broncos.
