Payton: Bo Nix’s movement ‘back to where it was’

Nix looked mobile and eager to chuck it downfield. He even had a few overthrows, which we suppose is a good thing for a quarterback who spent the offseason rehabbing an ankle injury. The Broncos quarterback linked up with new WR Jaylen Waddle for a 35-yard gain down the seam and targeted WR Courtland Sutton a couple of times along the sideline. He found tonight’s starting RB RJ Harvey speeding down the right side of the field on a wheel route, and linked up with the second-year running back for a 21-yard touchdown to conclude the first drive. New OC Davis Webb regularly dialed up play action, which is great for fantasy purposes. Nix looks like a low-end QB1.

“Absolutely not,” was Nix’s response when asked if he planned to run less following his unfortunate Divisional Round injury. “I’m going to roll, and I’m going to be as athletic as I can be. Like the earlier question, it’s a strength of ours and we have to use our strengths. For me, that’s when I feel at my best and that’s when I feel free.” Nix went on for several more sentences. That’s about as clear as you could ever expect a player to be. Nix’s legs have been a big part of his low-end QB1 value and streamer success. Now with an enhanced supporting cast via the addition of Jaylen Waddle, the third-year starter could be set up for another “surprise” step forward in fantasy.

The Broncos kicked things off with two “acclimation practices and officially open training camp to fans on Friday morning,” so we should get a clearer picture of Nix’s participation level tomorrow. Broncos RT Mike McGlinchey said Nix’s hard work this offseason is “the reason why he’s in position to be full-go from Day 1 to start.” It sounds like Nix should participate fully tomorrow. Stay tuned.

Broncos OC Davis Webb will add elements to Denver’s offense this season. Last year, the Broncos attempted the sixth-fewest (51) passes thrown 10-plus yards downfield and between the painted numbers. For reference, the league-leading Lions attempted 102 passes in this area of the field. Evans did not provide an average target depth in today’s report, but we are pleased to hear Webb is focusing on the middle of the field, regardless. Passes thrown in this area give the pass catcher more room to work, both before and after the catch, which helps them score fantasy points. Even a moderate increase in targets thrown to this area of the field would be great for QB Bo Nix and his pass catchers, like WR Jaylen Waddle and WR Courtland Sutton.

He also admitted that his follow-up procedure was because he was dealing with bone spurs. There’s not really any doubt that Nix will be ready for training camp at this point, and the Broncos seem to be taking it easy with him during mandatory minicamp.

Nix is expected to have a role at the team’s mandatory minicamp this week, but Payton seems confident that his QB1 will be ready for training camp after undergoing a cleanup procedure on his ankle in late April. How much work Nix does in minicamp is to be determined, but he continues to trend in the right direction with training camp just over a month away.

This is great news. Last week, Payton said he expected Nix would “have more of a role” at mandatory minicamp, which is scheduled for June 16-18. Today is the last day of organized team activities, so getting on the field before next week is a positive. Nix did not participate in team drills today. Payton reiterated that Nix “will be out there for some work next week for minicamp.” Hopefully, he can increase his participation level.

Per Payton, Nix has been throwing before practice, but is not actually participating in organized team activities with his teammates. The Broncos’ mandatory minicamp is scheduled for June 16-18. Payton’s phrasing indicates Nix might not be a full participant during that three-day stretch, but it sounds like he will participate in some capacity. If he can do so successfully, he should be on track for training camp in July.

Nix is still recovering from the broken ankle he suffered in the divisional round of last year’s AFC playoff matchup against the Bills. While it’s too early to be overly concerned about Nix’s availability come training camp, his absence for OTAs is a bit disappointing given that Broncos co-owner Greg Penner said earlier this offseason there were “no concerns at all for OTAs.” Of course, this was nearly a full month before Nix underwent a procedure in late April to “clean up” his ankle. Head coach Sean Payton expressed confidence that Nix will be ready to go by training camp, which begins in just under two months. The Broncos are set to have a mandatory three-day minicamp from June 16-18, which we wouldn’t expect Nix to be available for. For now, backups Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger will handle most of the snaps under center while Nix remains sidelined.

DiNucci spent the end of last season on the Broncos’ practice squad and, per The Denver Post’s Troy Renck, DiNucci “knows Webb as a coach and a friend.” Nix begged Broncos head coach Sean Payton to play uptempo last season, but Payton limited the offense to just 3.8 uptempo plays per game, per PFF. That said, the Broncos tied for seventh in plays per game, at 66.9. Renck notes that Webb “has already shortened Payton’s Shakespearean soliloquy play calls into abbreviated verbiage,” giving Nix more time to diagnose the defense at the line and potentially run more plays. More plays mean more opportunities to score fantasy points. Renck is not yet convinced Payton will allow Webb to play uptempo, but Payton is reportedly aware that the Broncos need to improve offensively and the players “remain energized” by Webb’s promotion. Expect updates on this during training camp, at the latest.