Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix is drawing significant comparisons to legendary quarterback Drew Brees, particularly from his new coach, Sean Payton. This buzz started even before the NFL draft, as rumors circulated about Payton’s interest in Nix. The excitement peaked when the Broncos picked Nix in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft.
Sean Payton, who coached Drew Brees for 14 successful seasons with the New Orleans Saints—including a Super Bowl 44 victory—has a keen eye for quarterback talent. When asked about the similarities between Nix and Brees, Payton highlighted both their resemblances and their differences. “Their personalities are different,” Payton noted, emphasizing that while Brees wasn’t the son of a coach, Nix grew up with that advantage, which influences his approach to the game.
Payton also mentioned Nix’s extensive college experience, noting his impressive 61-game starting streak at Auburn and Oregon. This experience, Payton suggests, contributes to Nix’s maturity on the field, which might even surpass what Brees had when he started his professional career. “When we got Drew, it was off of his rookie contract and coming off an injury,” Payton recalled, underscoring the different starting points for the two quarterbacks.
Throughout the Broncos’ minicamps and organized team activities (OTAs), Nix has continued to live up to the Brees comparisons. His accuracy and ability to read defenses have been particularly noted, echoing Brees’ well-known strengths. “Nix locates the ball well and he’s accurate,” Payton praised, adding, “I think Drew was the same way. He’s doing well with it.”
Nix’s promising start with the Broncos has fans and analysts eager to see if he can follow in the footsteps of his illustrious predecessor. While the journey is just beginning, the parallels drawn by Payton suggest a bright future ahead for Bo Nix in the NFL.
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