Denver Broncos’ Bo Nix disrespected by NFL execs, coaches, and scouts with snub from ESPN’s QB rankings heading into 2026
Anonymous NFL executives, coaches, and scouts just put a major chip on the shoulder of Denver Broncos QB Bo Nix. He already has a lot to prove coming back from an ankle injury. Now, he’s got even more motivation to go be great.
Denver Broncos QB Bo Nix is going to have to earn his respect during the 2026 NFL season.
In just his second year as a starter, Nix led his team to the AFC Championship Game in 2025. He threw for 3,931 yards (8th-most), 25 passing touchdowns (tied-9th-most), and led seven game-winning drives (most among NFL quarterbacks). He was unable to play in the AFC title game himself due to a fractured ankle. However, that wasn’t enough to earn a spot in ESPN’s Top-10 quarterback rankings, heading into the 2026 NFL season.
ESPN’s Top 10 Quarterbacks for 2026
Six AFC QBs appeared in the Top-10, with two AFC West rivals also appearing in the Top-10 of ESPN’s annual ranking.
- Bills QB Josh Allen
- Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes
- Rams QB Matthew Stafford
- Bengals QB Joe Burrow
- Ravens QB Lamar Jackson
- Cowboys QB Dak Prescott
- Chargers QB Justin Herbert
- Patriots QB Drake Maye
- Lions QB Jared Goff
- Bears QB Caleb Williams
In fact, Nix wasn’t even considered good enough to receive an honorable mention. Seven quarterbacks, including Super Bowl-winning QB Sam Darnold, received an honorable mention. Nix was left alongside Colts QB Daniel Jones and Texans QB C.J. Stroud as a footnote: “Also receiving votes.”
Now, you might say the uncertainty surrounding his ankle injury weighed into the vote. The reality simply might be that Nix is vastly underrated by NFL executives, coaches, and scouts.
Broncos QB Bo Nix should have a chip on his shoulder heading into the 2026 NFL season
If we’re to consider honorable mentions in order of appearance as rankings, Nix is the 18th-best quarterback in the NFL. That’s surely something that will motivate Nix as he returns from injury to play. Still, it’s a tough pill to swallow when you look at the numbers.
Nix is viewed behind other quarterbacks from the 2024 NFL Draft class by NFL execs, coaches, and scouts. Nix has helped lead his team to the playoffs in back-to-back campaigns, while Jayden Daniels, Caleb Williams, and Drake Maye have only led their teams to the playoffs once in that span. His 63 total touchdowns over the last two seasons are the most among that group by more than 10. His 24 regular-season wins over two seasons are seven more than the next closest (Maye, 17).
Maybe it was the uncertainty about the ankle injury. Perhaps it was the fact that the Broncos still boast one of the best defenses in football. Ultimately, Nix will have to prove naysayers wrong on the football field. He’s in control of his own football legacy, and he’s got plenty of opportunities to prove himself in 2026 and beyond.