Payton Confident Broncos QB Will Shock NFL in Second Season

When the Denver Broncos snagged Bo Nix in the 2025 NFL Draft, some folks might have been scratching their heads, but it turns out the Broncos and head coach Sean Payton might have had the last laugh. Nix, selected as the sixth quarterback in the first round, was initially seen by many as a bit of a surprise pick, with whispers that Denver might have made a gamble. Fast forward, and it’s looking like they knew exactly what they were doing.

Sean Payton is clearly thrilled with the progression of his young QB. The Broncos are gearing up for a pivotal second season, hoping for a breakout performance from Nix, and Payton’s not shy about showing his confidence in this rising star.

One of the concerns critics had was whether Nix’s extended college career might put a lid on his potential in the NFL. However, Payton’s recent comments suggest otherwise, highlighting Bo Nix’s growth and command on the field.

He noted that Nix is showing “less pause, less hesitation with the play-calling in the huddle. Less pause, less hesitation in the pocket.

He’s playing faster.” For any quarterback stepping into their second NFL season, this kind of feedback is pure gold—and even more so coming from someone as seasoned and demanding as Payton.

Looking back at Nix’s rookie season, the numbers paint a promising picture. He threw 29 touchdown passes and boasted a 93.3 passer rating.

His performance in the latter half of the 2024 regular season was particularly impressive, with Nix throwing 21 touchdowns over the final eight games, amassing 2,022 yards, and improving his passer rating to a robust 108. Even more impressive, he was only sacked nine times during these games, showcasing not just his composure in the pocket, but also a synergy with his offensive line.

These stats signal that the latter part of his rookie season might be closer to the Bo Nix we’ll see moving forward. If Sean Payton’s latest observations are any indication, Nix’s ceiling could be a lot higher than initially thought, potentially pushing him toward the upper echelons of NFL quarterbacks.

The Broncos’ journey is just beginning, and with Nix leading the charge, they’re poised for what could be a very exciting season. Keep your eyes on this team as they aim to make waves in the NFL with their young talent under Payton’s expert guidance.