When the Denver Broncos released their first depth chart ahead of the preseason, Bo Nix was listed as the third-string quarterback. Jarrett Stidham was the listed starter and former No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson was his backup.

Just 15 days later, Sean Payton announced Nix as the starter. It was quite the journey for the former Oregon and Auburn star as he flew up the depth chart and now has his first NFL start in his sights.

As for how Nix was able to become QB1 so quickly, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said he handled the offseason program well. His understanding of Payton’s offense made a strong impression and ultimately won the job.

“You’re wondering why the Broncos made this decision. How did Bo Nix go from being third-string quarterback – or whatever – to starter?” Rapoport said Wednesday on The Insiders. “It’s really pretty simple. Every test, he passed. From rookie minicamp to OTAs to training camp and the games, on-platform throws, off-platform throws, it’s a really, really complex offense. He seems to have devoured it and deciphered it.

“It is all good now for the Denver Broncos. Everything they thought Bo Nix was going to be right up until now, he has been and more.”

Nix got the start in the Broncos’ second preseason game against the Green Bay Packers and played well. He went 8-for-9 for 89 yards and a touchdown as his surgical accuracy from his time at Oregon continues to translate to the NFL. Last season, Nix led the nation with a 77.4% completion percentage.

The 2024 NFL Draft featured plenty of quarterback talent, and Nix – the fifth off the board at No. 12 – is the third rookie to be named a starter this season. The Broncos set their sights on him early in the pre-draft process, and Rapoport said they considered him the most ready for the NFL.

“That’s part of the reason why the Denver Broncos really liked him, targeted him in the draft, were sweating whether someone else – the Saints, the Seahawks, whoever – was gonna come up and try to take him and why they thought he was the most pro-ready quarterback,” Rapoport said. “Because in a situation where so many people would just think they accomplished everything they ever wanted to accomplish, being a starting quarterback in the NFL, he’s like, ‘Alright, cool. So, you know, let’s get to work.’

“And the way Sean Payton did it, informing each quarterback before practice in sort of a matter-of-fact way really speaks to how clear this decision was.”