Ex-Pro Bowl CB shares how Broncos rookie QB Bo Nix first captured his attention

Bo Nix.
Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Broncos star cornerback Patrick Surtain II has put an early endorsement on rookie quarterback Bo Nix.

During an interview on FanDuel’s “Up and Adams,” Surtain was asked what stands out about Nix. The two-time Pro Bowler raved about his confidence and command of the offense. He also shared that the 12th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft made a strong first impression at the beginning of OTAs.

— FanDuel TV (@FanDuelTV) August 15, 2024

“I just remember the first day here in OTAs, he made a no-look pass,” Surtain said Wednesday. “And everybody was like, OK. He’s coming in with that mojo. He’s coming in with that swagger. But it’s good to see him coming in with that experience and that confidence.”

The 24-year-old Nix continued to showcase his moxie during a solid preseason debut against the Indianapolis Colts. On five drives, he completed 15 of 21 passes for 125 yards and one touchdown in a 34-30 win.

“The No. 1 thing to do at quarterback is to lead your team [to points],” Broncos head coach Sean Payton said of Nix in a Wednesday news conference. “I like the production with the group while he was in there, and, ultimately, that’s their job.”

Payton has yet to name a starting QB, but it appears Nix is pulling away. He’s slated to start against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday and receive more reps with the first-team offense in practice.

Ultimately, one strong preseason performance won’t determine whether Nix is the answer at the most important position. If he keeps looking like the QB of the future, though, that would be ideal for the Broncos. 

Since Hall of Fame QB Peyton Manning retired in 2016, the Broncos have cycled through 13 starters and haven’t made the playoffs. Meanwhile, AFC West rival Kansas City drafted Patrick Mahomes in 2017, who has led the Chiefs to three Super Bowls in six seasons as a starter and won two MVPs.    

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