Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton openly disputed the growing skepticism surrounding quarterback Bo Nix, a focus of the ongoing Bo Nix Broncos Quarterback Debate. Selected 12th overall in last year’s <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL draft, Nix faced criticism from analysts who labeled him a draft reach, doubting his physical ceiling and questioning whether his statistics were artificially inflated by his transition from Auburn to Oregon’s spread offense system.
Payton highlighted a specific moment late last season to counter these views: a deep touchdown pass to wide receiver Marvin Mims against the Cincinnati Bengals.
“That was the longest pass, by air yards, in the league in the ’24 season,”
Payton remarked, emphasizing Nix’s arm strength despite detractors saying otherwise.
Evidence Supporting Nix’s Abilities Beyond Pre-Draft Perceptions
Payton laid out multiple reasons why the criticisms of Bo Nix do not hold up, citing impressive athletic testing results and an outstanding private workout with the Broncos. He also pointed to advanced metrics showing Nix’s effectiveness when pressured and his skill in avoiding sacks—traits that forecast well for his NFL development.
Payton suggested that groupthink shaped a negative narrative during the draft process, which continues to influence public opinion.
“If you’re not careful, there’s this train that’s moving with these assumptions,”
he said.
“And no one really knows who’s driving it. We know there’s a number of people grading, and in charge of the draft, but it’s not like there’s a captain. And it just moves. I said to [CEO] Greg Penner, ‘It’s important that we pay attention to that train, because that can give us information, relative to other teams. But man, let’s never hop on.’”
Sean Payton’s Confidence in Bo Nix’s Future as a Top NFL Quarterback
Looking ahead, Payton expressed strong belief in Nix’s potential to become an elite signal-caller.
“I honestly think he’s gonna be one of the top quarterbacks within the next two years,”
Payton stated.
“I think he’s going to be a superstar.”
This confident projection underscores the Broncos‘ commitment to developing Nix despite outside doubts.
Additional NFL Roster Developments and Player Updates
Outside the Broncos, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reported that Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Caleb Murphy is making a “strong case” for a roster spot due to his current role with the first-team special teams unit. Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter commented on fourth-round linebacker Kyle Kennard, stating they are still determining the best way to utilize him as a pass rusher.
Popper also highlighted that second-year wide receiver Brenden Rice had his best practice day, scoring two touchdowns during 11-on-11 drills. The Chargers’ starting offensive line, as noted by Popper, recently included LT Rashawn Slater, LG Bradley Bozeman, center Zion Johnson, RG Jamaree Salyer, and RT Joe Alt.
In a roster addition, veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen rejoined the Chargers, prompting GM Joe Hortiz to discuss the offensive integration of Allen with fellow slot receiver Ladd McConkey.
“I think DJ Moore played a lot of slot and they both were both on the field 80% of the time last year. You get good players on the field and you play them,”
Hortiz said. He also indicated a willingness to be “creative” in how they deploy both players.
Kansas City Chiefs Focus on Returning Marquise Brown to Full Health
The Chiefs re-signed wide receiver Marquise Brown to a one-year contract this offseason after he missed 15 games last year. Kansas City offensive coordinator Matt Nagy stressed the urgency of Brown’s return to practice to restore timing with quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
“Well, it’s got to happen quickly when he gets back,”
Nagy said.
“I know Hollywood wants to be out here, and he’s not, so you are missing out on that timing… When he gets back, whenever that is, they gotta go full speed and get that down.”
Nagy added details on Mahomes’s focus during recent practices:
“I really felt like today was, as a group and in particular with Pat, one of our better days with those type of throws… These were all on-timing throws, and then guys were making great catches. So I was really pleased with that.”
However, wide receiver Rashee Rice did not practice recently due to a groin injury.
Las Vegas Raiders’ Kolton Miller Secures Major Contract Extension
Left tackle Kolton Miller of the Las Vegas Raiders agreed to a three-year, $66 million contract extension that includes a $10 million signing bonus. The deal features escalating base salaries from $12.5 million in the first year to $17.562 million in the third and fourth years, with guarantees on his 2025 base and a portion of the 2026 salary. Miller also has opportunities to earn up to $170,000 annually through per-game roster bonuses and an additional $50,000 workout bonus in 2025.
Upcoming Developments and NFL Team Preparations
As teams advance their preparations for the upcoming NFL season, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton‘s endorsement of Bo Nix aims to shift public opinion and internal expectations. The Broncos remain focused on developing their young quarterback, confident that Nix’s unique skill set will translate into elite performance. Meanwhile, other teams like the Chargers, Chiefs, and Raiders are managing key player situations and roster formations that could influence their competitive outlook.