Bucs face difficult QB choice: Baker Mayfield or these 5 quarterbacks in 2024?
By Ryan Heckman
2. Bo Nix
For those who may not know, Oregon quarterback Bo Nix was once a mess of a quarterback during his days at Auburn. He looked nothing like a future NFL starter and hardly looked the part of an SEC starter.
But now, after two years at Oregon, Nix's true potential has been unlocked. He's been a completely different guy with the Ducks. Last year, Nix threw for 3,593 yards, 29 touchdowns and seven picks. This year? He's been even better, throwing for 3,539 yards, 35 touchdowns and just two interceptions.
Nix is a big dude at 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds. He's built strong and has plus agility and good footwork to escape the pocket and gain yards with his legs. He also has a great arm, being able to make some of the bigger throws while even on the run. He's gotten a lot better at extending plays and making something out of nothing. The competitive edge is definitely there; similar to Mayfield.
With Nix being a first-round prospect and giving Tampa Bay a rookie quarterback contract, he could open up some doors, financially. The opportunity to have landed their franchise quarterback is also too good to pass up. In this case, Mayfield doesn't make the cut.
Verdict: Nix