Bo Nix wasn’t sacked very often during his two seasons with the Oregon Ducks. Nix was sacked 10 times in two seasons with the Ducks.

Nix’s ability to avoid sacks is one reason why Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton targeted him in the 2024 NFL draft. Nix’s pocket presence – remaining patient and poised while under pressure during camp has affirmed what Payton saw in Nix leading up to the draft.

“I think it’s a trait that when we watched you see pretty good pocket sense,’’ Payton told reporters on Saturday. “He doesn’t take a lot of sacks. I think he knows when the play’s over, time to go. And then I think he can make plays when he’s going.”

The rookie quarterback has made mistakes during camp, but Payton and his staff has been impressed with Nix’s decision-making by getting the ball out quickly or deciding to run. Those quick decisions allows Nix to avoid being sacked and resulting in a negative play.

Payton then made another comparison with Nix and legendary quarterback Drew Brees and subtly took at shot at Russell Wilson, the Broncos quarterback in 2022 and 2023.

“I used to say this all the time that the sack numbers are more a reflection on the quarterback than the offensive line,” Payton told reporters. “Brees was one of those guys. He was a tough sack. The ball came out [quickly] and I think Bo has traits like that.”

Wilson was sacked 45 times in 2023 and a league-leading 55 times in 2022. Wilson was sacked an average of 3.33 times per game in two seasons with the Broncos. Nix was sacked an average of 0.37 sacks per game during his two seasons at Oregon.

Nix is still battling Jarrett Stidham for the QB1 spot in training camp. He hasn’t officially won the starting quarterback job yet, but the signs are pointing to him under center for Week 1 of the regular season.