Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix quickly emerged as one of the most promising players in the 2024 NFL season. The former Oregon Ducks star ended the regular season strong, helping the Broncos secure a playoff berth. Head coach Sean Payton, entering his third year with Denver, expressed strong confidence not only in Nix’s passing accuracy but especially in his rushing abilities, which surprised many during the draft process and his rookie year.
During the preparations for the NFL Draft, Payton identified Nix’s mobility as a crucial strength that motivated the Broncos to target him. Despite missing some drills at the NFL Combine due to turf toe, Nix’s agility and toughness were evident on the field. Payton reflected,
“I’ve mentioned this before, when the combine came, he didn’t shuffle, he didn’t do a number of these drills that I thought he’d be exceptional at. Later, he told me he had turf toe, and it made sense. But when you watched him, you thought, ‘Man, this guy is tough to sack.’ And he won a lot of downs for us last year with his feet,”
—Sean Payton, Denver Broncos head coach.
Bo Nix’s Impact on the Field Through His Running
In his final season at Oregon, Nix rushed for 234 yards and scored six touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat capability. This versatility contributed to the Broncos selecting him 12th overall, even though four other quarterbacks were chosen before him. Throughout his rookie season, Nix ranked third in rushing yards on Denver’s roster, tallying 430 yards and four rushing touchdowns. Alongside running back Javonte Williams, Nix tied for the team lead in rushing touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to contribute significantly on the ground.
Payton emphasized the importance of Nix’s footwork and athleticism, stating,
“I don’t know if those drills would’ve changed where and how he was drafted. I remember talking to George [Paton] saying this is a real good foot athlete,”
—Sean Payton.
The Broncos coach even joked about being glad Nix didn’t participate fully at the Combine, preventing other teams from fully appreciating his running talent. Had it not been for his turf toe injury, Nix might have been picked earlier in the draft.
During the season, Nix carried the ball 92 times. When asked about limiting his rushing attempts, Payton clarified that any restraint was primarily to protect Nix physically rather than a lack of confidence in his running. He explained,
“No, I think the audit would be more in regards to protecting himself at the end of those plays. And the timing of when’s a gotta have it,”
—Sean Payton. It’s a strength.
Looking Ahead: Bo Nix’s Role in Denver’s Offensive Strategy
The Broncos finished the 2024 season with a 10-7 record, securing the No. 7 seed in the AFC playoffs. For a rookie quarterback like Nix, making the postseason was an impressive start, but the team aims for greater success. Nix’s talent as a runner will remain a key component of Denver’s offensive threat this season, especially as the team bolsters its rushing attack.
To support Nix’s skill set on the ground, Denver added running back J.K. Dobbins via free agency and used a 2025 draft pick to select RJ Harvey. These moves aim to build a more dynamic run game that can create space and opportunities for Nix to make plays with his legs or through the air.
With a strengthened rushing attack, the Broncos have the potential to open up their offense significantly. Paired with Nix’s growing confidence and proven ability, Denver could remain a competitive force in a challenging AFC division, pushing for deeper playoff runs in the future.