Patriots send multiple evaluators to record-setting quarterback’s pro day
Nov 18, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Bo Nix (10) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The pro day circuit is well underway. Tuesday’s list of workouts includes the first pro day for one of the projected first-round quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Oregon is one of three schools holding its pro day on Tuesday, which means another chance for NFL evaluators to see quarterback Bo Nix. The Patriots, who are expected to be at least considering taking a quarterback early in the draft, are expected to be well represented at the workouts.
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According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the Patriots are expected to have four staffers on hand in Eugene for Tuesday’s workout. That group is made up of quarterback’s coach T.C. McCartney, college scouting director Camren Williams, national scout Tony Kinkela, and area scout J.T. Hill. Reiss added, “to me, this reflects the thoroughness in which the Patriots are approaching their QB evaluations.”
Nix likely wouldn’t be in play for the Patriots with the third overall pick, but if they decide to take another position at the top of the draft board he’d be a logical target with either the 34th overall pick or in a trade up in the first round. Most projections have him as either the fifth or sixth quarterback off the board in this draft (we have him sixth on our QB big board).
Last season was a breakout year for Nix. He set the NCAA single-season completion percentage record at 77.4 percent, narrowly beating out former Patriots quarterback Mac Jones. He also set a career record for college starts, with 61 by the time the season was over. Nix threw for 4,508 yards with 45 touchdowns and three interceptions in 14 games, leading Oregon to the Pac-12 title game where the Ducks lost to Washington.
Accuracy and ball security are two of the biggest pluses to Nix’s game. There are questions about his ability to consistently make plays downfield though – his 6.8 average air yards per throw in 2023 ranks 34th of 35 draft eligible quarterbacks. He’s also an older prospect, having turned 24 last month.
Click here for a full Bo Nix scouting report
At his pro day, Nix will try to overwrite his Senior Bowl and NFL Combine performances that were below expectations. Pro day workouts usually consist of the same schedule as the Combine, with physical testing followed by on-field drills.
Nix won’t be the only projected top-100 draft pick on the field in Oregon on Tuesday. The Ducks have another of other players expected to go in the first two days, including projected first-round pick center Jackson Powers-Johnson, and Day 2 picks wide receiver Troy Franklin, running back Bucky Irving, defensive end Brandon Dorlus, and cornerback Khyree Jackson. Safety Evan Williams, currently a projected Day 3 pick, will be at the workout as well trying to build off the momentum he picked up at the Senior Bowl. However, McCartney’s attendance on the Patriots’ behalf makes it seem like the team is at least in part focused specifically on the quarterback for this trip.
Oregon’s workout won’t be the only one on Tuesday featuring a quarterback who projects to be drafted. South Carolina will have hits pro day on Tuesday as well, which will include Spencer Rattler, a projected fringe-top 100 pick.
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Barth’s 2024 Draft Profiles: Oregon QB Bo Nix
Oregon quarterback Bo Nix hasn’t even reached the NFL yet, but his football journey has already been a roller coaster. After closing out his college career on a high note, what’s next for him?
Bo Nix scouting report
Nov 11, 2023; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Bo Nix (10) throws a touchdown pass during the first half against the USC Trojans at Autzen Stadium. Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Background
Age: 23 (turns 24 on February 25)
Height: 6’2
Weight: 217
Awards: Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year (2023), All-Pac-12 First Team (2023), SEC Freshman of the Year (2019)
Nix was a four-star recruit and third-ranked quarterback in the Class of 2019 coming out of Pinson Valley high school in Alabama. The son of legendary Auburn quarterback Patrick Nix, Bo attended his father’s alma mater and had a ton of hype around him as he took over as the starter for the Tigers as a true freshman. Nix’ Auburn tenure was rocky – he won nine games his first year and was named SEC Freshman of the Year but went 12-9 over the next two years. Nix later reflected on the pressure that came with playing at the university he grew up rooting for, and described his final season at Auburn as “miserable.”
In 2022 Nix got a fresh start, transferring to Oregon. Now playing in a system more tailored to his skill set Nix went 22-5 with the Ducks. His 2023 season was his best yet, highlighted by him breaking the NCAA single-season completion percentage record (a record previously held by Mac Jones). Those two years in Eugene reset the way he was viewed as a prospect, and two years after being seen as un-draftable Nix now has a chance to be a first-round pick.
For more player breakdowns, scouting reports, and all things 2024 NFL Draft, check out the 98.5 The Sports Hub Draft Hub page.
