The 2024 scouting combine is right around the corner, which means that it’s time to take a more critical and detailed look at this year’s draft prospects. With that in mind, we here at Touchdown Wire are doing as many thumbnail scouting reports as possible before the combine gets going on February 29. We will of course be doing more comprehensive reports before the draft, but here’s a good starting point.
Our next evaluation is Bo Nix, the Oregon quarterback, who transferred from Auburn after the 2021 season. In two seasons with the Ducks, Nix displayed a major uptick in efficiency and production, completing 74.9% of his passes for 10.4 yards per attempt, after completing 54.9% of his passes for 6.9 YPA with Auburn.
Last season, the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year completed 361 of 467 passes for 4,454 yards, 45 touchdowns, three interceptions, and a passer rating of 135.7. Only LSU’s Jayden Daniels had a higher passer rating in 2023 among quarterbacks in this draft class. On throws of 20 or more air yards, Nix completed 26 of 51 passes for 999 yards, 13 touchdowns, two interceptions, and a passer rating of 119.9. Under pressure, Nix completed 43 of 64 passes for 619 yards, nine touchdowns, one interception, and a passer rating of 131.4. When blitzed, Nix completed 86 of 126 passes for 1,148 yards, 21 touchdowns, no interceptions, and a passer rating of 136.5. Nix also gained 256 yards and scored six touchdowns on 34 carries.
PLUSES
— Not a lot of deep passing volume, but clearly has the ability to turn it loose downfield with anticipation and accuracy.
— Compact, consistent over-the-top delivery which he retains under pressure and on the move.
— Will work through his second and third progressions to make the right throw.
— Can be a real load to tackle on designed runs and scrambles, and he has a good eye for open gaps.
— Mobility extends to boot and pocket movement throws.
MINUSES
— Mechanics can get a bit off-kilter, leading to some inaccurate passes.
— Accuracy is random to a point; occasionally he’ll just uncork one in the general direction of his target when he should be more specific.
— Arm arrogance can be a plus, but can also get him into throws he shouldn’t make.
— Still working on the nuances of off-speed pitches; fade balls and deep timing throws are mixed bags.
I like Nix as a developmental starter in a highly structured system with some wiggle room as he puts the little things together. There’s a lot to like, but some room for growth.
Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
PLUSES
— Not a lot of deep passing volume, but clearly has the ability to turn it loose downfield with anticipation and accuracy.
— Compact, consistent over-the-top delivery which he retains under pressure and on the move.
— Will work through his second… pic.twitter.com/TzOE2Xp6Jr— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) February 24, 2024
