Bo Nix entered the NFL spotlight as one of six quarterbacks drafted in the top 12 picks of 2024, setting a record for the number of QBs taken so early. While some, like Michael Penix and JJ McCarthy, haven't seen much action yet, others have become regular starters. Let's dive into the performances of Bo Nix, Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye, who have each started 24 or more games.
Bo Nix may not lead the pack in traditional stats like yards per attempt or touchdown percentage, but he shines in key areas like avoiding sacks and delivering in clutch moments. His ability to lead the Broncos to 24 wins in 34 starts speaks volumes, even if wins are more of a team stat.
Nix's knack for game-winning drives is impressive, with 10 in just two seasons. This places him among the elite, tied for the second-most in a single season, only behind Matthew Stafford and Kirk Cousins. When it comes to the fourth quarter in tight games, Nix struggled with a passer rating of 75.6, but his red zone performance was top-notch, boasting a passer rating of 105.0 and converting eight runs into touchdowns or first downs.
Looking at career stats, Nix ranks third among his peers in passer rating and on-target percentage but has faced the highest drop rate from his receivers. It's worth considering how his numbers might improve with more reliable hands on the receiving end.
Drake Maye has benefited from fewer dropped passes, while Caleb Williams shows more variation in accuracy. Despite some ups and downs, Nix has shown consistent success rates, with standout performances and only a few challenging games.
In terms of protection, Nix has enjoyed the best pass protection among the group, though he faced increased pressure towards the end of the 2025 season. This trend could impact his performance, but there's reason to be optimistic about his development under Sean Payton. The change to Davis Webb as offensive coordinator and Payton's track record with quarterbacks like Drew Brees suggest that Nix could make significant strides in his third season.
While Nix isn't Brees, the potential for growth in Payton's system is promising. As we look forward to the next season, keep an eye on how these young quarterbacks continue to evolve and shape the future of the league.