Bo Nix Hype Train Causes Serious Mess for Sean Payton as Mark Schlereth Delivers Verdict on Broncos’ QB1 Fate After Russell Wilson’s Exit

Being drafted as one of a record-tying six quarterbacks in the first round of the NFL Draft is one thing. Becoming the starting quarterback right away is an entirely different ball game. Right now, Bo Nix – who ignited a frenzy of hype and expectations after the Broncos drafted him – is engaged in a three-way battle for QB1 honors. And former NFL offensive lineman and now-analyst Mark Schlereth is at the forefront of the Bo Nix hype train.

In an appearance on the Stikin Truth Podcast, Schlereth questioned, “If Bo Nix isn’t your starter, then did you miss on Bo Nix?” highlighting the team’s glowing pre-draft assessment of the Oregon product: “Everything they said coming out of the draft was… Bo Nix started 61 games, has a supercomputer as a processor, is incredibly accurate, was the best college Red Zone QB in the nation, had the best completion percentage, [and] never fumbled while at Oregon.”

Schlereth’s stance underscored the immense pressure on Nix to live up to these expectations – a scenario that could potentially derail Sean Payton’s plans if not handled judiciously. The head coach himself has drawn comparisons between Nix and Drew Brees, the New Orleans Saints quarterback who led the team during most of Payton’s tenure. Citing similarities in their mental approach and accuracy while acknowledging their contrasting personalities, Payton said via DNVR Sports: “Mentally, [Nix] wants to know as much and as fast as he can.” He then brought up the 24-year-old’s college career, as Schlereth mentioned.

“I think there’s maybe a maturity level because, again, [Nix] played 61 games [in college], and when [the Saints] got Drew, it was off of his rookie contract and coming off an injury.” Payton added, “Their personalities are different. [Nix] is the son of a coach. Drew wasn’t necessarily the son of a coach.” Currently, Sean Payton describes the quarterback situation in the Broncos as “the orphan group.” Bo Nix (college), Zach Wilson (the Jets), and Jarrett Stidham (the ‘veteran’ who’s played for the Patriots and the Raiders) – “They’re all orphaned dogs. They’ve come from somewhere, but they’re doing good,” said Payton.

This current quarterback situation stems, in part, from the fallout of the Russell Wilson trade. The team parted ways with the veteran after a dismal 2-year stint while absorbing a staggering $85 million in dead money. Schlereth’s assessment heightens the urgency for the Broncos to get their quarterback decision right, as he bluntly stated: “If Nix does not become your starter from Day 1, then that’s a drastic disappointment in Denver.”

Earlier this year, before the NFL draft, many believed the Broncos would have to use their 12th overall pick for a quarterback because there was no chance that the newly acquired Zach Wilson would become the starting QB. Considering how the 2023 season fared for him – 25 interceptions, 23 touchdown passes, and 57% passes completed in 34 games – NFL analyst Nick Wright even referred to him as “objectively one of the worst quarterbacks in NFL history.” However, he seems to be regaining his confidence under Sean Payton.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler revealed, “They’re trying to regain his confidence again. I’m told he’s in a positive state of mind,” adding that he’s “in the mix” to become the Broncos’ starting quarterback. That said, it’ll be interesting to see how this situation develops in Denver over the next few weeks. However, the prospect of burdening Bo Nix, their prized rookie, with unrealistic hype is something the Broncos can’t afford to repeat.

As Chris Simms cautioned: “My only worry is that Sean puts too much on him early on.” This sentiment underscores the delicacy with which Payton must nurture Nix’s potential without overwhelming him with excessive expectations, as was the case with Russell Wilson. While the hype train’s momentum is palpable in Denver, keeping it on the rails will require a conscious effort from Payton.

Bo Nix’s fate post-Russell Wilson

Schlereth’s assessment pointedly contrasts the situations in Denver and Minnesota, who have also acquired new quarterbacks this offseason. “It’s completely different from the situation that’s in Minnesota right now,” Schlereth stated, implying that the Broncos’ circumstances are more precarious in the post-Wilson era. His comments underscore the pressure on Bo Nix to seize the starting role, lest the Broncos face a “drastic disappointment” should Zach Wilson or Jarrett Stidham emerge as the Week 1 starter.

To his credit, Payton has adopted a measured approach. “We’re rotating all of them right now,” he stated – a stark contrast to the team’s handling of the Wilson situation last year. Payton is allowing his self-described “orphan dogs” to compete with the hope that the cream will rise to the top organically.

As the Broncos aim to move past the Wilson era, their QB1 decision could shape the trajectory of Payton’s tenure in Denver and the future of their prized rookie.