by J.T. Toth
Photo courtesy of Duckwire.
At Draft 412, the NFL draft talk never ends. We will keep you ready for the next set of gridiron stars—from today and all the way until draft night 2024. We will bring you mock drafts, player profiles, individual team needs, and everything else you may need related to the 2024 NFL Draft.
Today’s Spotlight - Oregon, Quarterback, Bo Nix
Name- Bo Nix
Pos- QB
Team- Oregon
HT/WT- 6’2” 213 lbs.
Born- 2/25/2000
Home – Arkadelphia, Arkansas
Bo Nix was a decorated high school recruit, named the nation's #1 quarterback prospect by Rivals.com. Nix set Alabama state records with over 12,000 career offensive yards, and 161 career TD accounted for (127 passing; 34 rushing) and had his choice of schools to attend. He decided to stay home and play for the Auburn Tigers.
Nix was the first true freshman quarterback to start a season opener for Auburn since 1946 where he set several Auburn freshman records, including completions, passing yards, and passing touchdowns. During his first season with the Tigers, he threw at least one touchdown in 12 out of 13 games and ended with 2,542 yards and 16 passing touchdowns. He also racked up 313 yards and 7 touchdowns on the ground on his way to earning the distinction of SEC Freshman of the Year.
Nix was named a team captain for his sophomore year and during the COVID season, threw for 2,415 and 12 touchdowns in 11 games. During his junior season, he broke his ankle late in the season, but before his year ended, he’d thrown for 2,294 yards and 11 touchdowns. Following his junior year, Nix entered the transfer portal and became an Oregon Duck.
Last year at Oregon, Nix had a resurgence and became one of the nation’s best quarterbacks. He threw for a career high of 3,593 yards and finished with 44 total touchdowns (29 passing, 14 rushing and 1 receiving). His 14 rushing touchdowns led all FBS quarterbacks.
After the season, Nix announced he would not enter the NFL Draft and would return to Eugene for his last season.
As a prospect, Nix brings the quality arm strength and physical attributes that the NFL looks for in their signal callers. One of the more athletic quarterbacks in the class, Nix is a threat to run or scramble on every snap. He has proven at the collegiate level that he can make all the throws necessary to play at the next level and his play fakes often fool the cameras, reminiscent of NFL legend Boomer Esiason.
Nix is an accurate passer even when on the move. Scouts will call him a “creator” who excels in chaos. The play is never over with Nix and with the right set of receivers, he can be very dangerous. He’s tough as nails and not afraid to play through injury and is generally seen as a strong leader by players and coaches alike.
Nix has some downside though. He throws better on the run than he does in the pocket and fails to go through his progressions well, resulting in staring down primary receivers too long or only scanning one side of the field. He’s also too dependent on his arm strength and tries to squeeze the ball into very tight windows, causing turnovers. He needs to do a better job of pre-snap reads and picking out the blitzes, which will help him be a better quarterback.
Watching film on Bo Nix is perplexing. Some games, he looks like a young, gunslinging Brett Favre, or on the very next play, he will take off running and throw the ball all in a blink of an eye. But some games, Nix looks lost and his decision making leaves scouts scratching their heads. Perhaps a better comparison is Tampa Bay Quarterback Baker Mayfield. Although Nix is bigger, both are creative and will make great plays, then fall victim to too many unexplainable turnovers.
Strengths
Running ability
Throws well on the move
Can make all the throws
Accuracy
Play action
Weaknesses
Decision making
Pre-snap reads
Does not look off safeties
Pocket passing
Final Analysis
Bo Nix is as polarizing as any other prospect in this draft. He has his fair share of ups and downs in his college career. Draft 412 sees potential for Nix, and his performance this year will determine if he climbs into the late first round of the draft or drops to the middle of the draft.
Prediction- 2nd or 3rd round