NFL Insider Puts Broncos QB Bo Nix in ‘Tier Below’ Other First Round Picks

For a long time, ESPN’s Ben Solak has made it clear how little he thinks of Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix.

Continually, Solak has put Nix behind a group that includes Chicago Bears quarterback

Caleb Williams, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels and New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye — the top 3 quarterbacks taken in the 2024 NFL draft.

Now, despite the last 2 weeks of Nix playing at as high of a level as any quarterback in the

NFL and despite the Broncos’ 6-2 record and despite Nix leading the Broncos to the playoffs as a rookie, Solak tossed another slight toward Denver’s franchise player.

This time, it came with

Solak’s weekly mailbag, where he was asked to rank all of the quarterbacks from that 2024 draft class as it stands today, including a record-tying 6 first round picks, with Nix the last of those 6 taken.

Solak put Maye at No. 1, followed by Daniels and Williams before inserting a “Tier Break” between those quarterbacks followed by Nix, New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler, Atlanta Falcons quarterback

Michael Penix Jr. and, one tier lower, seldom-seen Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

Only Rattler, who was just benched in favor of rookie Tyler Shough, was taken outside the first round.

Here are their records as starting quarterbacks in the NFL headed into Week 9 of the 2025 regular season, in the order Solak ranked them:

Maye (9-11)
Daniels (14-8)
Williams (9-15)
Nix (16-9)
Rattler (1-13)
Penix (4-5)
McCarthy (1-1)

From that, we can discern winning and losing don’t really figure in Solak’s rankings. Which means it’s safe to assume this is just a case of Solak capping for Maye on a level not seen since Jennifer Jason Leigh copied Bridget Fonda’s hairdo in Single White Female.

Not First Slight of Nix by ESPN’s Solak

Following the 2024 season, Solak used hot-take analytics to justify leaving Nix off his All-Rookie Team in favor of Maye.

Solak did this despite Nix outpacing Maye in every important statistical category for a quarterback and leading Denver to the playoffs for the first time since the 2015 season —

and doing it with a broken back.

Maye was the second team quarterback behind Daniels, who was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

“It was very difficult to exclude Broncos quarterback

Bo Nix, who improved over the course of the season and looks like a long-term starter,” Solak wrote on January 15. “While Nix outproduced Maye in raw stats, it is worth noting that Maye was better by success rate and first down/touchdown rate, indicating a high level of efficiency — despite getting pressured on 37.3% of his dropbacks compared to Nix’s 28.0%. Nix ripped off more explosive plays, but given his superior pass protection and receiving corps, that is not surprising. Both look like franchise guys, but Maye did it in a much worse environment and gets the second-team spot.”

Of the 4 rookies who became full time starters in 2024 — Maye, Williams, Nix and Daniels — only Nix and Daniels led their teams to the playoffs.

Out of those 4, Nix ended the longest playoff drought, guiding the Broncos to the postseason for the first time in 9 years.

Raiders Bench Geno Smith, Turn to Aidan O’Connell for QB Spark

The Las Vegas Raiders have decided to make a significant change at quarterback, benching Geno Smith after his struggles through the first half of the season and activating Aidan O’Connell from injured reserve. O'Connell, who had been sidelined due to a fractured wrist, is set to return to practice this week ahead of the team's next matchup.

“I’ve been waiting for this moment, and I’m ready to go out and show what I can do,” O'Connell said after his activation. “I’ve learned a lot from the sidelines, and now it’s my turn to step up. I’m looking forward to proving I can help this team win.”

This decision comes after Smith’s underwhelming performance in a 31–0 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, where he completed only 10 of 16 passes for 67 yards and was sacked once. His early-season extension, worth $75 million over two years, has not lived up to expectations, with only 7 touchdowns and 10 interceptions through seven games.

“It’s frustrating, but it’s part of the game,” Smith admitted after the loss. “I know I’ve been struggling, and it’s on me to turn it around. But this is the business, and the coaches are making a decision that they think is best for the team. I respect that.”

Raiders head coach Pete Carroll, who has worked with Smith in the past, expressed disappointment in the team’s performance. “This is not the level we expect from our offense,” Carroll said.

“We couldn’t make a first down and couldn’t get off the field. Geno’s been struggling, and we have to make the tough decisions to get this team back on track.”

O'Connell, who was selected by the Raiders in the 2023 fourth round, showed promise in his limited appearances. In his first start earlier this season against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he passed for 227 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Although he was sidelined due to a fractured thumb, O’Connell is now fully recovered and ready to contribute.

“I feel confident about my recovery and what I can bring to the offense,” O'Connell added. “I’ve had a chance to learn and watch, and now it’s my time to help lead this team. I’m excited to get back out there.”

The Raiders, currently sitting at a 2-5 record, are looking to turn their season around, and O'Connell's return could provide the spark they need. As Smith’s tenure with the Raiders faces uncertainty, all eyes will be on O'Connell as he looks to prove himself in a crucial stretch for the team.

“It’s about doing what’s best for the team,” O'Connell said. “I’m here to help us get back on track and do my part to turn this season around.”

With the quarterback position now in O’Connell’s hands, the Raiders hope for an immediate improvement in their offensive play, starting with their upcoming matchup.

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