As the 2024 NFL season approaches, several rookie quarterbacks from that year’s draft class are set to take the next step in their careers, including Denver Broncos’ Bo Nix, who is expected to make a significant sophomore leap. Nolan Smith, linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles, shared his insights on why he believes Nix will improve markedly in the 2025 season.
Rookie Quarterbacks Face Pressure to Build on Debut Seasons
The 2024 NFL draft introduced a strong group of rookie quarterbacks, many of whom started immediately and are now preparing for their second seasons. Among them, Washington Commanders’ Jayden Daniels, named 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year, and New England Patriots’ Drake Maye have already secured Pro Bowl honors. Caleb Williams with the Chicago Bears and Michael Penix Jr. playing for the Atlanta Falcons are also seen as future leaders of their franchises. Meanwhile, Minnesota Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy will debut in 2025 after missing all of 2024 due to a torn meniscus.
Bo Nix made an immediate impact with the Broncos by leading the team to the postseason in his first year, a feat Denver had not achieved since 2015. The Broncos finished the regular season with a strong 10-7 record, earning a spot in the AFC Wild Card round.
Nolan Smith Highlights Nix’s Dual Threat Playing Style
On Tuesday’s episode of Good Morning Football, Nolan Smith praised Nix’s abilities, pointing out his growing experience and strong arm as key reasons for his anticipated improvement. Smith noted that Nix has shown remarkable downfield throws and especially emphasized the accuracy of his deep passes.
“He’s a good quarterback, but also, I think he’s just getting his feet wet in the league,”
Smith explained.
“You’ve seen him make some big down-the-field throws. We know he has a big arm. People underestimate his legs. He can scramble, he can run around, he can do a lot of different things. But, I say, when he throws the deep ball, he has the perfect accuracy, perfect throws. And he puts it right in the breadbasket, as we say in the South.”
—Nolan Smith, Philadelphia Eagles Linebacker
Smith admitted that a bit of college rivalry may influence his opinion, as he played at Georgia while Nix represents Auburn, but he confidently predicted Nix’s continued growth heading into his second year.
“I like him to make that next ‘sophomore jump’ just because I know he can do it,”
Smith stated.
I know his feet and his arms are going to work together when his feet are settled in Denver.”
—Nolan Smith, Philadelphia Eagles Linebacker
Bo Nix’s 2024 Performance Sets Foundation for Growth
During the 2024 season, Bo Nix started all 17 regular-season games for the Broncos. He completed 66.3% of his passes, throwing 376 completions out of 567 attempts, racking up 3,775 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. In addition, Nix contributed 430 rushing yards and scored four rushing touchdowns on 92 carries, showcasing his reliability as a dual-threat quarterback.
Challenges Ahead as Broncos Aim to Surpass Division Rivals
The Broncos, with Nix at the helm, face the challenge of improving upon their recent playoff appearance in a tough AFC West division dominated by the Kansas City Chiefs. Denver’s fans and analysts alike are cautiously hopeful that Nix will develop the consistency and poise needed to help the team surpass this rivalry and contend for higher playoff success.
Nolan Smith’s prediction reflects a wider optimism about Nix’s potential to avoid the common sophomore slump and instead produce the critical sophomore milestone that cements quarterbacks as franchise leaders. How Nix handles this pressure and whether he can hone the synchrony between his footwork and arm will be key storylines as the 2025 NFL season unfolds.