Named an All-Rookie team finalist at the quarterback position behind Washington Commanders” Jayden Daniels, Brugler leaned toward Nix over the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft.

“The production between Nix and Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams has been pretty similar, and there’s an argument for one or the other in terms of who looks better on tape (especially over the course of last weeks). But the main difference is Nix’s ability to create explosive plays through the air and with his legs. He is responsible for 33 plays of 20+ yards, second in the NFL behind Jackson; Williams has 20 plays of 20+ yards. That second spot should be a fun competition between Nix, Williams and New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye over the second half of the season. Maye got off to a late start, but he certainly looks like he belongs,” Brugler wrote.

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As Sean Payton stated a few weeks ago, even after scouting and spending time with Nix during the pre-draft process, he was surprised by Nix proving to be a more NFL-level athlete. Sure, Nix was one of the best dual-threat quarterback recruits coming out of high school, but that doesn’t mean that will translate to playing against grown men in the NFL as well as it did for Nix.

Nix’s athleticism helped the Broncos cobble together some semblance of an offense while he and Payton tried to work on a step-back passing attack. Nix has always shown good athleticism as a runner, but in recent weeks his ability to escape the pocket has resulted in an extension of the play in the passing game, versus just dropping back and to a race as a threat. The more Nix can use his athleticism to buy time and create explosives in the passing game, the more dynamic he will become as a quarterback.

Nix also significantly reduced his turnover-worthy plays. After accumulating five of these games, as judge Focus on professional football, over the first three weeks of the season, he was only credited with one in the last six games. He has thrown just two interceptions with no fumbles in that span.

It won’t create a buzz, but playing complementary football by protecting the ball allows you to win matches on the margins. This is something Nix has done well recently.

Nix needs to continue to improve as a passer and work on his accuracy. Having been an incredibly accurate passer during his time at Oregon, Nix’s inconsistent footwork and fundamentals led to painful misses throughout his rookie season.

Nix’s play in the structure of the dropback passing game also deserves criticism, as he at times did not manipulate space in the pocket very well or consistently. This is despite the Broncos offensive line being considered one of the best pass protection units in the NFL.

According to PFF, Nix has the highest rate of pressures considered the quarterback’s fault among all players with at least 60 pass attempts, at 29.8 percent. It’s not entirely his fault, given the lack of playmakers in the Broncos offense. Sometimes it’s okay for quarterbacks to instigate pressure, but it’s something to watch and understand before placing blame squarely on the offensive line.

It looks like Daniels is likely to win the Rookie of the Year award this season, while Williams, Maye and Nix will have to fight for second place. Daniels is on a team likely to win his division, has a higher draft profile in a larger market, and has narrative on his side (how about that Hail Mary, eh?).

However, given the wilderness the Broncos are wandering in in terms of young players and quarterbacks that can be excited about, Nix getting this recognition is a good sign of things to come.

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