To Hype or Not To Hype: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon

The 2024 quarterback (QB) draft class has been flipped upside down and shaken since last summer.

However, one of the few constants, in my book, is Oregon quarterback (QB) Bo Nix.

He is also one of the more polarizing prospects this year.

In my initial evaluation of Nix, it seemed as if I was one of the few who had a first-round grade on him. The grade was not completely based on what he had done to that point but in anticipation of his second year in Oregon’s offense.

If what I had seen on film up until then was true, he was likely only going to get better.

His only two losses this season were against the same team Washington Huskies, led by QB, Michael Penix Jr. The Ducks lost both these games by a combined six points, mind you. That could have made all the difference in the world when it came down to the Heisman Trophy.

Would’ve, could’ve, should’ve…

Regardless, we all know how it turned out, and despite that, the fact remains that Nix was one of the most explosive players and was deserving of every vote he received.

Background

Nix made the jump from Auburn to Oregon two years ago was one of the best moves in recent memory. The 6-foot-2, 217-pound prospect parlayed that into a monster senior season.

His final 2023 passing stats:

364 out of 470 (77.4%)

4,508 yards (9.6 avg) 45 touchdowns and 3 interceptions

His final 2023 rushing stats:

54 attempts, 234 yards (4.3 avg.) and 6 touchdowns

This is interesting about Nix:

In every year of his collegiate career, his yards per completion increased and every year his completion percentage increased as well. He is now the No. 6 NCAA all-time in terms of passer rankings listed with 15,352 yards.

For all the joking that there is on social media about Nix’s age, he along with other QBs in this draft class (Spencer Rattler, Jayden Daniels, and Michael Penix Jr). were all born in 2000.

The Yanish Report

Durable, thickset, athletic build. Excellent climbing the pocket and extending plays. Rarely, rarely takes sacks (five total in ‘23). Run-pass option (RPO) standout. Footwork provides a solid mechanical foundation for everything he does with his arm. Best of both worlds, classic mechanics vs. off-platform gunslinging. Has ramped up accuracy. NFL arm talent. Gets everyone involved. Same wavelength as his receivers. Throws with anticipation. Next-level touch. Short to intermediate game is money. Ball security has improved a ton. Quick hitter decisions. Development BABY. Football IQ is off the charts. Coach-like leadership. Tenacious. Gritty.

For the win

A constant state of getting better is a trait that you must put a premium on when grading prospects, regardless of their position. The film speaks for itself. In 2023, Nix has become a load more comfortable with a smattering of Mahomes-esque throws here and there.

Check out this good news about Nix:

He does not have red flags wavering in the breeze.

No significant injury history.

He does not have that media overhype.

Three promising signs.

NIX CANNOT BE IGNORED IF AN NFL TEAM NEEDS A QB ON DRAFT DAY.

What is he capable of?

There’s enough game film for days to answer that question I’m attempting to answer. He is an established, capable leader, and a coach on the field.

Nix has earned the final grade I’m putting on him. The fire that is raging inside of him will take him as far as he wants to go.

He will next appear in the 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl ⎯all eyes will be on Nix.

My BIG three questions

1. What can he do to separate himself from other QBs from here on out?

2. Why isn’t he getting the hype that others are?

3. How high will he climb in the NFL Draft?

My 2024 NFL Draft Value: First-Round

Game film evidence (2023 and 2024 Bowl game)

Texas Tech

Washington

Utah

Oregon State

Liberty (Fiesta Bowl)

William Yanish III is a lifelong football fan. He’s from the little town of Crawford, Colorado. Along the way, he’s lived in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, and Brookings, Oregon. Quarterback Joe Montana was his idol growing up. A little bit of CTE from life’s adventures killed his dreams as a football player. Now, he is an aspiring writer and Draft Analyst at FirstRoundMock.com. He’s a fanatic with a dream, which is coming true.