The Denver Broncos kicked off Organized Team Activities (OTAs) this week, and all eyes are on one of the most intriguing storylines in the NFL this offseason: rookie quarterback Bo Nix’s transition to the pros under head coach Sean Payton’s leadership.
While there are plenty of questions swirling around the Mile High City—how will the revamped offensive line hold up? Who emerges as the WR1? Is the defense still elite without key veterans?—there’s one question that looms larger than the rest:
Can Bo Nix take control of this offense and prove he’s ready to be Sean Payton’s franchise quarterback of the future?
Nix, the No. 12 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, enters OTAs with high expectations and a complex playbook in front of him. So far, reports out of Dove Valley suggest that Payton is taking a meticulous, hands-on approach with his new signal-caller—installing his system step-by-step and evaluating how quickly Nix can digest NFL concepts.
Sean Payton’s System Is No Walk in the Park
Payton is known for his demanding style and intricate offensive schemes, the kind that helped mold Drew Brees into a Hall of Famer. The Broncos coach has made it clear: this is not a rebuilding year, and he’s not handing over the keys unless Nix earns it. The veteran coach is looking for mental sharpness, decision-making, and the ability to lead.
The Quarterback Room: A True Competition?
With Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson also in the QB room, Nix won’t be handed the starting job on a silver platter. But make no mistake: Denver didn’t draft Nix in the first round to sit him long-term. OTAs are where his journey begins.
What We Want to See in OTAs
Is Nix commanding the huddle with confidence?
How is he adjusting to the speed of the pro game?
Can he handle pre-snap reads and blitz pickups?
Is he building early chemistry with Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims, and Greg Dulcich?
If Nix begins to check those boxes, Broncos Country may finally have reason to believe their quarterback carousel is coming to a stop.
Stay tuned—we’ll have continued coverage as OTAs progress, and we get a clearer picture of whether Bo Nix is ready to lead this franchise into a new era.
