Photo by Thomas Serer
The Denver Broncos made a big decision in the NFL Draft. They picked a player named Bo Nix at number 12. Some people think it wasn’t a great choice.
What a shocker, right?
The Broncos could’ve waited until later to pick Nix. Not many experts thought he should be chosen so early. Instead, they might have grabbed him in the third round, as no one else seemed to think he was top material.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler spilled the beans. If the Broncos hadn’t picked Nix, they probably would’ve gone for Laiatu Latu. He’s a big guy who plays defense and was picked just three spots later by the Indianapolis Colts. Latu had some health concerns, but he was still the first defensive player chosen. My own team, the Atlanta Falcons, liked him but didn’t take the plunge.
I can’t help but think, if Denver had chosen Latu over Nix, we wouldn’t be so critical. It’s like they didn’t learn from past mistakes. Take the Vikings in 2011; they picked Christian Ponder at number 12. He was okay in college but not really seen as a top NFL prospect. He didn’t last long in the big leagues.
Nix is stepping into a tough spot in Denver. He’s got the brains to handle coach Sean Payton’s strategies, but can he handle the pressure? He had a rough time with big crowds in college. Playing at places like Arrowhead Stadium won’t be easy.
I wasn’t sold on Latu, mainly because of his medical history. The Miami Dolphins took a risk on Chop Robinson instead, which was a bit scary too. But Latu at number 12 seemed a better deal than Nix. I would’ve picked Nix later on, but the Los Angeles Rams had other plans.
Nix has Sean Payton, not Sean McVay, as his coach. It’s a whole different ball game.
Good luck to Nix, though. He’ll need it.
