Bo Nix is expected to be selected in the first round or early in the second round of the NFL draft by many draft analysts. The quarterback has been connected to the Denver Broncos, who currently possess the No. 12 overall pick.
Nix could slide into the second round, where some mock drafts have him going to the New York Giants. Nix visited with the Giants, according to a report.
Nix threw for 4,508 passing yards, 45 touchdowns and three interceptions while completing 77.4% of his passes in 2023. He established all-time program records for single-season passing yards and touchdowns and an NCAA record for completion percentage at 77.4 percent.
Should the Broncos - or any other team - opt to select Nix in the first or any round, at least one analyst urges caution. According to CBSsports.com’s Chris Trapasso, the former Oregon Ducks’ star is one of the prospects on his “Buyer-Beware” list. The list consists of players who could be first-round or early second-round selections, but are “the most risky propositions” who’ll have a “difficult time living up to their draft positions.”
Nix is No. 1 on the list because he “lacks standout trait(s).”
Trapasso isn’t impressed by Nix’s numbers - 8,101 passing yards, 74 touchdowns, 10 interceptions and 74.9% completion rate - during his two seasons at Oregon.
“The system at Oregon was incredibly gimmicky -- but incredibly effective -- and he threw to an incredible amount of wide-open Duck receivers and tight ends the past two years in Eugene.”
Nix’s 77.4% completion rate in 2023? Trapasso indicates the number was misleading. Nix was accurate, but not that accurate.
“As for the nearly 78% completion percentage, Nix isn’t nearly as accurate as that record-setting rate indicates. Does he have a ball-placement issue? No. But he’s not hyper accurate.”
Critics have pointed to Nix’s lack of downfield passes. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. addressed the issue in his most recent mock draft, writing “His average pass traveled 6.3 yards downfield last season, which was sixth shortest among 125 qualified FBS quarterbacks.”
Trapasso writes he doesn’t trust Nix’s ability to make a tough throw down the field in big-time moments.
“Will I trust him making challenging throws at the intermediate level or down the field in key moments? No. I didn’t see that from him on a routine basis in either of the last two seasons at Oregon. And I need that confidence from a first-round quarterback. It’s an absolute must.”
Perhaps most damning, Trapasso has branded Nix with the dreaded “game manager” label.