Bo Nix Sends Direct Message to Broncos HC Sean Payton Ahead of Draft

Bo Nix lit up like a Christmas Tree when asked about his thoughts on playing for Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton.

Nov 18, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Bo Nix (10) against the Arizona State / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The pre-draft courtship rituals are playing out around the NFL. Rookie quarterbacks are making sure they say and do all the right things, while coaches and GMs spin and try to throw their competitors off the pre-draft scent.

It makes sense for quarterback prospects to reach out to the teams that might offer the best fit, and it's all par for the course at this time of year. Oregon QB Bo Nix has recently become a favorite to land with the Denver Broncos — largely based on availability and suitability. 

Nix recently appeared on the RG3 and The Ones podcast, telling former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III that he loves the idea of being coached by an offensive guru like Broncos head coach Sean Payton.

"That would be a blast," Nix told Griffin. "Playing for a coach like that who has been so important for the offensive game. He's known a lot for what he and Drew Brees did together. It was quick game, get the ball out, timing stuff that I love to do. That's what we did great here at Oregon."

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At 24 years old, Nix certainly fits the more experienced and accurate precision passer model that Payton prizes so highly. His longtime mentor, Bill Parcells, passed down the value of these traits to Payton, and they still resonate with the veteran coach.

Throw in the odd comparison between Nix and Drew Brees, and you might have a match made in football heaven. However, it wouldn't be a pre-draft process without potential pitfalls presenting themselves along the way.

If the Broncos were to hold firm and pick Nix at No. 12 overall, it would fill a huge need. That being said, Payton would run the risk of reaching for a QB who might be available if he were to trade down toward the bottom half of the first round.

Just how focused the Broncos are on finding a way to get back into the second round will influence how the team approaches the No. 12 overall pick. Perhaps the biggest takeaway from Nix's appearance on RG3's podcast is his understanding of how he fits the Payton prototype.

It's no secret that Payton wants his starting quarterback to play to his system, and avoid indulging in hero ball. And above all else, Payton's QB must have a "quick processor." Nix asserted his penchant for getting the ball out on time and his penchant for succeeding in a quick-pass attack.

"I love to do (that)," Nix said. "That's what we did so great at Oregon... it's an extension of the running game."

A quarterback speaking the buzzwords of the sacrosanct West Coast Offense? Nix is definitely speaking Payton's language.

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