Sean Payton has glowed about Bo Nix since April's draft, spouting about the composure, accuracy and diligence of Denver's rookie quarterback en route to handing him the Day 1 starting gig.
Now the biggest boss in the Broncos organization got his chance to evaluate the new face of his franchise.
"I've been really impressed with his poise and maturity," Owner and CEO Greg Penner said of Nix, . "That's something about starting that many games in college that obviously develops that, and I think he's got some incredible traits. It was great to see how he played in the first two preseason games. I had a chance to call him after Sean announced that he'd be the starting quarterback. I had a great conversation with him then. All rookies are going to go through some ups and downs in their first season, and I told him, 'We're going support you.'
"I'm excited to see what he can do on the field, [as well as] the rest of this roster."
Nix started 61 games between Auburn and Oregon, an experience that should serve him well in the transition to the NFL. There will be growing pains, as with any rookie, but Nix's brand of accuracy and smarts should play well in Payton's system.
In moving on from Russell Wilson and eating $53 million in dead money, the Broncos are rebooting in Year 2 under Payton. Denver parted ways with several veterans earlier this offseason, including star safety Justin Simmons. Then, during cuts, it jettisoned more vets, including Tim Patrick and Samaje Perine. Denver currently sits with $76.36 million in dead money for 2024, .
Those decisions give the Broncos a very young roster, particularly at key positions, but Penner said that fact doesn't change his outlook for 2024.
"It's a young team, but I've got high expectations for what we can accomplish," he said.
If the Broncos surprise in 2024, it will be one of Payton's best coaching jobs. The more likely reality is the reboot sets up Denver for a rebuilding season to come back stronger in 2025.
