The 2024 season might have marked a turning point for the Denver Broncos.
The team made the postseason for the first time since its 2015 Super Bowl win, with rookie quarterback Bo Nix leading the way to a 10-7 record.
Patrick Surtain II Heaps Praise on ‘Great Leader’ Bo Nix
During an exclusive interview with RG, three-time Pro Bowler Patrick Surtain II took time to praise his young teammate and his leadership.
In his interview, Surtain spoke highly of the team’s quarterback. Denver’s decision to select Nix with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft raised eyebrows, as he was the sixth quarterback taken, and many expected him to last until the second round.
But Nix proved his doubters wrong, putting together an impressive rookie campaign despite playing with a below-average group of skill players. That was enough to earn the respect of the Broncos’ star cornerback, who won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2024.
“He’s a great teammate, a great person as well, a great leader,” Surtain said when asked about his quarterback. “You could tell when he is on the field, he has great confidence that he possesses out there, and it shines bright each and every Sunday.”
According to the All-Pro, Nix improved with every game.
“I saw him grow and grow each and every week,” he said. “Just seeing his mechanics, just the way he goes about his business, and it’s kind of rewarding knowing that you have a guy like that you work with each and every week. I’m looking forward to his success at the end of the day.”
Those words from one of the team’s leaders will no doubt mean a lot to Nix. Surtain was a cornerstone of the league’s third-best defense in 2024 and is widely regarded as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL.
What’s Next for Nix and the Broncos?
Of the 39 quarterbacks to attempt 200 or more passes in 2024, Nix fared well. His 3,775 passing yards ranked 12th, while his 29 touchdowns ranked sixth. However, his 12 interceptions tied for the fourth-most among qualifying quarterbacks.
Nix spent much of his rookie season waiting for a running game to develop, but it never did. Javonte Williams, Audric Estime, and Jaleel McLaughlin all had chances to impress but failed to establish a consistent threat. While Nix’s ability to make plays with his legs adds a dynamic element to Denver’s offense, opposing defenses won’t respect it unless the Broncos develop a more reliable run game.
The 2025 NFL Draft features one of the strongest running back classes in recent memory. With Williams now on the Dallas Cowboys, Denver has plenty of opportunities to draft an explosive, game-changing back.
Beyond the running game, Nix’s receiving options outside of Courtland Sutton were inconsistent at best. The rookie quarterback spread the ball around in 2024, but only the veteran Sutton provided a reliable target throughout the season. The addition of former Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram in free agency should be a big boost for Nix moving forward, but the Broncos still need more weapons.
If the team can add another sure-handed veteran receiver in free agency or the draft, it would go a long way toward making the Broncos Super Bowl contenders in 2025.