“We Were The Underdogs”: Bo Nix Denvers Star Sits as Best Player NFL Draft
- Prior to the draft, Broncos head coach Sean Payton frequently discussed the team’s intention to trade up to address the quarterback position. However, the team ultimately decided not to make a move before adding a player to the position.
Remaining put, the Broncos selected former Oregon quarterback Bo Nix at No. 12. Due to predictions about how Nix would fit into Denver’s style, this matchup appeared in multiple mock drafts. On Thursday night, Payton stated that he would always ask for silence if he saw connections between his team and Nix.
The club “did our best to talk about other players and directions,” according to Payton, but Nix impressed them “early into the process” on a number of levels..
According to Payton, on the team website, “You pay close attention to all the film study.” He has obviously played a lot of football, but in terms of accuracy, turnover differential, sack differential, and third-down throwing, he stood out. In this class, he was first, first, first. First in two-minute circumstances, first at the conclusion of the half, and second in the red zone. Next, let’s eliminate many of the short, beneath throws by using another passing metric. Of course, there’s a component of their offensive game plan, but even if you take that out, the stats still show you’re ahead. His arm strength was evident not only on the Pro Day but also during the private exercise, in my opinion.”
Zach Wilson and Jarrett Stidham are both players for the Broncos, but given how well Nix and Payton fit together prior to the draft, it seems likely that Nix will start the season as the starting quarterback.
The best players available on day two of the 2024 NFL draft
The 2024 NFL Draft’s first day is now complete. In my one and only mock draft, I was accurate on the first six picks, for a total of 12 picks. That surpasses my prior best of 11 accurate picks out of 32 clubs.
I speak with every team in the league, and from January till today, I was able to obtain a wealth of knowledge. Thus, there are still excellent players available after the first day. I had assumed that some of these players would have already left, yet on Friday, they are still available.
Here are some of the best prospects remaining who should go off the board on Day 2 of the NFL draft.
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WR Keon Coleman of FSU In my one-and-only mock draft, I had Coleman selected by the Buffalo Bills in the first round. The Bills eliminated Coleman—as well as any other wideout that might have been available—out of the first round. Coleman might still be able to work out for them.
Kool-Aid McKinstry, cornerback, Alabama: McKinstry is one of the class’s most aggressive corners and a former teammate of Bo Nix in high school. Even though he’s not the fastest corner, he will battle for the ball and stay ahead of play.
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Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia – I believe McConkey could be a Cooper Kupp-like player in the NFL. He’s a slot receiver, but he’s one of the most explosive players at the position and proved at the Senior Bowl (and on film) he can make plays constantly.
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Iowa’s Cooper DeJean, CB While some believe DeJean would be better served as a safety in the NFL, others believe he would be a better cornerback. All I know is that he’s tough, intelligent, and athletic. No matter where you put DeJean on the field, he will be a playmaker.
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Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson, OC By the end of the first round, Powers-Johnson was desired by at least three teams. I was informed that if he was available, the Detroit Lions would pick him, but they decided not to. He should be among the first five players eliminated in the second round, in my opinion.
TX’s Adonai Mitchell, WR Mitchell was my pick to go in the late first round. Actually interested, the San Francisco 49ers selected Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall. Mitchell is maybe the best player available at any position entering thanks to his excellent size/speed combo.
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The ILB Edgerrin Cooper of Texas A&M Although Cooper was one of my early second-round picks, I wouldn’t have been shocked if he had been picked late on Thursday by a team. Instead, due of his length, quickness, and high level of football knowledge, he’s still among the greatest.