The latest 2024 NFL mock draft from ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has 5 QBs in Round 1, including Bo Nix

With the 2024 NFL Draft rounding into form as the free agency comes mostly to a close (check out our winners and losers from the first week!), the question now becomes: how many quarterbacks are we going to see go to teams on the first night?

Our latest NFL mock draft from Christian D’Andrea has four — Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye and J.J. McCarthy all go within the first 11 picks. Those seem to be the consensus Round 1 names from experts when it comes to mocks.

But in the latest mock draft from ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., he’s got a fifth QB on the board: at No. 12, he projects the Denver Broncos taking Oregon’s Bo Nix.

Here’s his take:

The Broncos have been quiet in free agency. Are they really comfortable going into the season with Jarrett Stidham as their starting quarterback? They’re running out of options, unless they can find a way to move up in the draft … or if they liked someone from the second tier of passers. Nix, Michael Penix Jr. (Washington) and Spencer Rattler (South Carolina) are likely to be off the board by the time Denver picks again, which is No. 76 overall, as it doesn’t own a second-round pick. So could Sean Payton & Co. instead take one here or trade down a few picks in Round 1?

That’s the way I’m leaning right now. Nix isn’t going to be for every team, but Payton might see a little Drew Brees in him. He’s a super-fast processor who can make every throw and was one of the most productive passers in college football the past two seasons. He had 74 touchdown passes and just 10 interceptions after transferring from Oregon. The Ducks’ offense relied on quick strikes, though, and he wasn’t often asked to push the ball downfield. He averaged just 6.3 air yards per attempt last season, which ranked 120th out of 125 FBS qualifiers. Taking Nix in Round 1 would be a way for the Broncos to try to snag a franchise quarterback, and if they moved down a few spots, they could regain some valuable capital. But again, they have to really believe in his potential to do it.

Interesting! Make sure to check out the latest NFL mock draft from Christian D’Andrea and the updated 2024 NFL draft order.