Why the Broncos should draft Michael Penix Jr. over Bo Nix

Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

Why the Broncos should consider drafting Michael Penix Jr. instead of Bo Nix

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 4/3/24

Many draft analysts think the Denver Broncos will take Oregon quarterback Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick, but they should look into fellow 2023 Heisman finalist Michael Penix Jr. out of Washington.

It appears Denver's interested in Penix. Per NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, the Broncos held a top-30 visit with the 23-year-old on Tuesday.

Penix led the FBS in passing yards with 4,903 in 15 games in his final season at Washington and guided the Huskies to their second College Football Playoff trip. He suffered season-ending ACL tears and shoulder injuries in his first four seasons at Indiana but passed his medical exams at the scouting combine.

Nix broke the NCAA's completion percentage record (77.45% in 14 games) in his final season with the Ducks. In his latest two-round mock draft, ESPN's Field Yates has the Broncos taking the 24-year-old, pointing out how his accuracy "would appeal to head coach Sean Payton."

Bo Nix and @oregonfootball are going CRAZY

ANOTHER touchdown for the Ducks in the first half! pic.twitter.com/hkOE1cUY6P
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 18, 2023

However, according to NFL.com's Lance Zierlein, nearly 30 percent of Nix's passes in 2023 were thrown behind the line of scrimmage, raising questions about his ability to throw the ball downfield.

Former Seattle Seahawks QB and Fox Sports college football analyst Brock Huard argues Penix is a better fit for Denver due to his stronger arm and processing ability.

"I do because there is a lot of volume. (Payton) asks a lot of his quarterback. There is a lot to process. (Former Washington offensive coordinator Ryan) Grubb coached Penix really hard," Huard told Troy Renck of The Denver Post. "If you want to spray the ball over the field and get someone who can make all the throws, Penix can do it. Just watch his (CFP) semifinal game vs. Texas."

In the 37-31 victory against the Longhorns, Penix completed 29-of-38 passes for 430 yards, two TDs and an outstanding 97.7 QBR.