For Broncos, best way to support Bo Nix in draft is simple: Get best players regardless of position

Bo Nix is the Denver Broncos’ quarterback, and by the nature of the position, that means he’s at the center of what the Broncos attempt to construct as they try to build upon last season’s wild-card appearance with the expectation of more in 2025.

But that doesn’t mean that every potential draft move and every evaluation is made with Nix in mind — to “paint the picture” around him, in the Sean Payton parlance.

Instead, it’s as simple as this: Anything to help the team at large by extension helps Nix. Payton asserted last year that the two key elements to aiding a young quarterback were a strong defense and running game, which follows the same principle — that a strong support structure elsewhere gives the young quarterback the best chance of flourishing.

“When you help your defense, you help your quarterback as well,” Payton said Thursday.

It’s the same point he made at the Scouting Combine, when he intentionally didn’t want to tip his hand about who the Broncos would take in the draft.

“The running back and the tight end could obviously help in his development,” Payton said then.. “I would also say a really good, elite pass rusher can help in his development, a really good cover corner. …

“The best player that helps the team get better is going to help in his development.”

So, there is an element of caginess to Payton’s statements. The only hint one has to the Broncos’ plans is George Paton’s assurance at the NFL Annual Meeting on March 31 that the Broncos will select a running back.

The only real impact of Nix, Payton says, is when there’s an Oregon player discussed in the room. So, when a prospect such as defensive lineman Derrick Harmon, running back Jordan James, tight end Terrance Ferguson or wide receiver Tez Johnson — Nix’s brother — comes into the discussion, Nix’s input is sought.

“We love Bo,” Payton said. “But we’re not talking about Bo in these meetings a lot.”

And even for weapons added around Nix, the relevant question is this, Payton says:

“How do they add to what we do offensively?”

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