HoF QB Puts Broncos On Notice About Oregon QB Bo Nix

Dan Fouts is perhaps more qualified than any former player to deliver analysis on Bo Nix, considering their Oregon ties.

Jan 1, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Bo Nix (10) throws against the Liberty / Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Bo Nix, a potential Denver Broncos draft target, hails from Dan Fouts' alma mater of Oregon. With such a common thread, the legendary Hall-of-Famer shared an intriguing take on the 24-year-old Nix as the 2024 NFL draft looms. 

Fouts has never been shy about sharing his opinions on NFL quarterbacks. While he can be uncomplimentary at times, his take on Nix gives Broncos fans cause to sit up a little straighter in their seats.  

"He's a good one.  He's bigger than you think (for being listed at 6-foot-2) and he's very accurate," Fouts said via Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette. "And his accuracy is as good on the run as it is in the pocket, which is unusual obviously. He's a player, a real competitor. He's really smart. He's got a great future."

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The biggest knock on Nix is the pervading perception that he doesn't have the kind of arm to deliver the ball consistently down the field at the next level. In fairness, stretching the field wasn't something that Nix was asked to do that much within Oregon's short precision passing attack.

The statistical evidence remains compelling, especially if you choose to take even a cursory glance at Nix's resume. He completed a whopping 77.4% of his passes at Oregon, and he tossed 45 touchdowns against an astonishingly meager three interceptions. And his 61 college starts are the most in NCAA history for a quarterback.

Strangely enough, Nix's consistency as a pinpoint passer only presents further questions about his purported lack of arm strength heading into the draft. Fouts has been watching Nix for quite some time, though, and he believes the former Ducks star has the fundamental mechanics to make every throw in the book when called upon.

"I watched every game and I didn't see him not complete long balls," Fouts said. "I thought he's got an arm that will surprise because he's quick and he's got great mechanics. He's got an arm that can reach down the field."

Broncos head coach Sean Payton isn't really looking for a bombs-away type quarterback to work within his system anyway. Fouts has offered up some reassurance that Nix has an NFL arm to throw the long ball, but what he did as a short-range passer at Oregon could prove much more attractive to Payton anyway.

When the rubber finally meets the road on April 25, the bigger question to answer will be whether Payton believes Nix is truly worthy of the Broncos' precious No. 12 overall selection. Using such a high-value pick on Nix will always be second-guessed, so Fouts knows that maybe his glowing review of the Oregon passer's skill set might not be taken at face value.

"Well, if the Broncos are willing to send me a check for the scouting report on him I just gave, yeah, I'd recommend him," Fouts jokingly remarked.

Reaching for a quarterback in the draft is a nightmarish scenario that may well be keeping Payton up at night, but Fouts' analysis of Nix might soothe Payton and help him sleep a little easier.

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