New York Giants Draft Preview: QB Bo Nix

Let's get the rundown on Bo Nix, a quarterback that the Giants could be considering in the draft.

Author:
Brandon Olsen
Publish date:
Apr 10, 2024

In this story:

Bo Nix

NFL Draft

New York Giants

Oregon Ducks

Bo Nix, QB

Height: 6’ 2 ⅛”
Weight: 214 lbs.
Class: Fifth-year Senior
School: Oregon
STATS

Bo Nix was the highest-ranked dual-threat in the country coming out of Pinson Valley High School in 2019. Nix would initially commit to Auburn, where he started for three seasons before transferring to Oregon for the final two years of his college career.

Strengths

* One of the best creators of the draft class - can use his legs to pick up first downs on his own or scrambles to open up passing lanes, keeping his eyes downfield outside of the pocket
* Quick release that allows him to get rid of the ball immediately on RPOs
* Capable of throwing from different arm slots
* Pre-snap diagnosis ability was on display with an Oregon offense that relied on RPOs and quick game
* “Grip it and rip it” release
* Does a good job of selling play-fakes and causing hesitation
* Can layer throws from a vertical base and while on the move
* Has one of the better pump fakes you’ll see from a college QB
* Throws while on the move are relatively accurate and consistent
* Difficult to sack when pressure gets in
* Knows how to effectively work the seams between the linebacker and safety
* Knows when his receivers have the speed advantage and will give them an opportunity to win early on
* Puts nice touch on the ball when throwing fades

[View more draft prospect scouting profiles.]

Weaknesses

* Will be 24 as a rookie, 28-29 at the expiration of his first contract
* Arm strength is passable but isn’t capable of making the more difficult passes consistently
* Ball velocity dies too quickly
* Has struggled to process the field on longer-developing plays
* Mechanical improvement could solve issues he has with downfield accuracy and velocity - footwork is far too hoppy, far too often
* Tends to shy away from pressure when he’s a target in the pocket which leads to erratic passes

Summary

Bo Nix may be the most difficult quarterback to evaluate in the 2024 Draft class. His film at Auburn was undraftable, but that was two years ago and he’s improved - but has he improved enough? If an offense wants to be mostly dictated by pre-snap reads and the RPO, then Nix has a chance to run that offense on time effectively. Asking him to sit in the pocket and go through progressions may never work out.

He’s one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the class, but he struggles with processing ability. He’s one of the best RPO and quick game quarterbacks that also thrives when a play breaks down and he’s able to use his athleticism in order to make magic.

GRADE: 6.21