Broncos insider reveals why Sean Payton listed rookie Bo Nix to #3 on depth chart behind Zach Wilson

When the Denver Broncos selected Bo Nix with the 12th-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, he was pinpointed as their quarterback of the future. While some rookies wait to start for their team, that may also be the case for Nix.

The Broncos revealed their first depth chart of the season, and Nix's placement may be a little surprising. Nix is listed as their third-string quarterback behind Zach Wilson and Jarrett Stidham.

While it may be a surprise, given that other rookie quarterbacks this season have been named starters, Broncos insider Zac Stevens explained why head coach Sean Payton and the team listed Nix as number three.

"The Broncos took an old-school approach to building their first unofficial depth chart, per source. Every rookie is listed last in their position, regardless of reps and/or performance so far. Hence, at least a reason why Bo Nix is listed as the third QB."

There's no concern as to Nix being listed as the team's number three quarterback. As Stevens pointed out, the Broncos took the "old-school" approach and have listed all of their rookies last at their respective positions on the depth chart. It seems as if Payton and the coaching staff are making the rookies earn their positions by climbing up the depth chart.

Taking a look at the Denver Broncos' quarterback group featuring Bo Nix

Bo Nix during Denver Broncos v Las Vegas Raiders - Source: Getty

Last season, the Denver Broncos, stared the season with Russell Wilson as their starting quarterback. After some internal conflicts with the team, the Broncos benched Wilson for their final two games of the seaosn, starting backup, Jarrett Stidham.

In the two games he started, Stidham completed 40-of-66 passes for 496 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He went 1-1 in the two games.

After releasing Russell Wilson in the off-season, the Broncos traded for New York Jets quarterback, Zach Wilson. The former second-overall pick had a disappointing stint with the New York Jets, and the Broncos acquired him for a sixth-round pick. Wilson started 11 games for the Jets last season, going 4-7 and throwing for eight touchdown passes, seven interceptions, and 2,271 yards.

Bo Nix produced his best season in college football in 2023, going 12-2 as Oregon's starter while throwing for 4,508 yards, 45 touchdowns, and three interceptions.