In the 2024 NFL draft, the Denver Broncos chose Bo Nix as their top quarterback. They decided to pass on many talented defenders to pick Nix with the 12th overall selection on Thursday night.
Coach Sean Payton praised Nix for his strong arm and intelligence. The Broncos have been searching for a reliable quarterback since Peyton Manning retired after winning the Super Bowl in 2015. None of the quarterbacks who followed him could lead the team to the playoffs.
Their playoff drought has lasted eight years, and they have had seven consecutive losing seasons. Meanwhile, their division rival, the Kansas City Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, have won three Super Bowls in the last five years.
Many thought the Broncos might need to trade up to get a quarterback, but they had already traded away three first-round picks since 2022, including two in the unsuccessful Russell Wilson trade.
The first three picks of the draft were quarterbacks, as expected. When the New York Giants passed on a quarterback with the sixth pick, Payton felt confident that the next three teams in line, including the Broncos, would get their preferred quarterback.
However, the Atlanta Falcons surprised everyone by selecting Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8, despite having recently signed Kirk Cousins to a lucrative contract. Payton noted that draft day is always unpredictable, and teams can never be sure how others will make their selections.
