Editor’s note: This article originally appeared on Last Word on Sports.com/NFL on February 4th, 2024.
Bo Nix 2024 NFL Draft Overview
Position: Quarterback
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 217 lb
School: University of Oregon, Auburn University
2024 NFL Draft: Bo Nix Scouting Report
Bo Nix is the most experienced quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft class. That’s easy to report because he is the most experienced quarterback in NCAA history with over 60 starts. After an up-and-down three seasons at Auburn, Nix transferred to Oregon, where he flourished for the past two seasons. He regressed in many statistical categories from season to season at Auburn, but the move to Eugene proved prosperous as his first year with the Ducks was far more productive than any season on the Plains. In 2023, his second season with Oregon, Nix posted career bests in every passing category and finished third in the voting for the Heisman Trophy. He completed over 77% of his passes (an NCAA record) for 4,508 yards, 45 touchdowns, and only three interceptions. Nix also ran for 20 touchdowns in his two seasons with Oregon.
The top of the quarterback draft class is solidified with names like Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels. But Nix’s numbers make a strong argument that he should also be in consideration for a high grade. His maturity and leadership ability will translate well to the NFL. While many college quarterbacks have been splitting time between class, girlfriends, and film study, Nix spent all of 2023 living as close to a professional football life as possible. He is married, and his only classes in 2023 were football-oriented. He made football his full-time job prior to the NFL. This makes him more ready for the lifestyle transition than any other quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Strengths
- Very quick release speed, one of the fastest in the class;
- Ability to move in the pocket;
- Accurate with multiple arm angles;
- He is a legitimate threat with his legs;
- Strong footwork in the pocket.
Weaknesses
- Hesitates to pull the trigger at times;
- The offensive system at Oregon relied heavily on sideline adjustments, short play calls;
- Style of play may translate to more turnovers in the NFL due to off-schedule playmaking;
- Unproven in complicated multi-read situations;
- Low velocity.
NFL Comparison: Baker Mayfield
Projection: Second Round
Best Fits: Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams
Bottom Line on Bo Nix
Nix should be rated as the fifth or sixth quarterback in this draft. His numbers at Oregon, specifically in 2023, are staggering. However, questions remain about whether or not his game will fully translate to the NFL. The hits are harder, and the mental pressure will ramp up. From a mental standpoint, Nix has been through significant pressure. As a five-star recruit heading into Auburn in 2019 and the son of a former Auburn QB, he was met with much criticism over his less-than-stellar three years there. The move to Oregon allowed him to reinvent himself and discover who can truly be as a player. Now, Nix has that opportunity again. With a new NFL team, a new coaching staff, and a new group of players around him, Nix will get to press reset.
This time, he is resetting from a place of success. For a guy like Nix, the fit is the number one factor. If he lands with a quarterback guru like Sean Payton, he will likely be coached to the top of his potential. However, it will also benefit Nix, although he may be taken in the first round if teams needing a quarterback want to take the leap of faith to sit a year under a veteran starting quarterback. The situation in L.A. could be perfect if he is allowed to sit under Matthew Stafford for a year or two. Then Nix would be ready to step in and take the Rams job with more experience and confidence at the NFL level.
