The Denver Broncos, under the guidance of head coach Sean Payton, are looking for a resurgence in the ultra-competitive AFC West. With Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs dominating the division for years, the Broncos have had difficulty keeping up. Payton, known for his keen football mind and strategic approach, has hinted at a unique draft-day maneuver that could change the landscape of the AFC West rivalry.

Recently, Payton shared some intriguing insights into how the Broncos might use the upcoming NFL Draft to finally match up against Mahomes and the Chiefs. One name that’s been circulating around the Broncos’ camp is Oregon quarterback Bo Nix, who has been making waves in college football. Payton’s interest in Nix could signal a shift in Denver’s approach to building a team capable of dethroning the Chiefs — but why focus on a rookie quarterback? And what exactly are the Broncos’ “tricks” that Payton alluded to?

The Patrick Mahomes Problem

Since entering the NFL, Patrick Mahomes has redefined the quarterback position with his dazzling arm strength, improvisational abilities, and on-field vision. Under Mahomes, the Chiefs have been perennial Super Bowl contenders, with multiple AFC West titles and two Lombardi trophies to their name. For teams like the Broncos, who haven’t beaten the Chiefs in years, finding a way to stop—or at least slow down—Mahomes is a top priority.

Payton, a Super Bowl-winning coach himself, knows that the best way to compete with Mahomes might not be through conventional methods. While most teams focus on assembling a dominant defense to contain him, Payton appears to have a different idea: fight fire with fire by investing in a young, dynamic quarterback who can go toe-to-toe with Mahomes. Enter Bo Nix.

Bo Nix: The Future of Denver?

Bo Nix has steadily climbed up draft boards with impressive performances at Oregon, displaying many of the traits that NFL teams covet in a franchise quarterback. His mobility, decision-making, and ability to make big plays in high-pressure situations have drawn comparisons to some of the league’s top young quarterbacks. For a team like the Broncos, who have struggled to find a long-term solution at quarterback since Peyton Manning retired, Nix could be the answer.

Payton has long been a fan of developing quarterbacks, having helped mold Drew Brees into one of the greatest passers in NFL history during their time together with the New Orleans Saints. His ability to design creative offenses around the strengths of his quarterbacks makes the idea of Bo Nix in Denver particularly enticing. Could Nix be the player that finally gives the Broncos the firepower to compete with the Chiefs?

Draft-Day Tricks: How the Broncos Plan to Get Nix

While Payton has openly praised Nix, he knows that openly revealing too much interest in a player can be dangerous in the NFL draft, where teams often play mind games to secure their preferred picks. Payton has hinted at employing some “draft-day tricks” to ensure that Nix falls to the Broncos without tipping off other teams who might be interested in him.

One strategy that Payton and the Broncos could use is creating a smokescreen—showing interest in other players or positions to throw off other teams who might be targeting a quarterback. By leaking reports about focusing on other areas of need, such as the offensive line or defensive backs, the Broncos could make other teams believe they’re not in the market for a quarterback, allowing Nix to slide to them.

Another possible tactic involves trading down in the draft. If the Broncos feel that Nix will still be available later in the first round, they could trade down to acquire additional picks while still securing their quarterback of the future. Payton has experience pulling off such moves, and with his reputation, teams might be hesitant to engage in direct trades without thoroughly vetting his intentions.

The Plan to Counter Mahomes

The idea of drafting Bo Nix to compete with Patrick Mahomes isn’t just about drafting a talented quarterback—it’s about drafting a quarterback with the specific skill set to counter Mahomes’ style of play. Mahomes thrives in chaotic situations, often turning broken plays into touchdowns with his improvisational ability. Nix, who has shown a similar ability to make plays outside of structure, could be the perfect counter. While Mahomes thrives on deep shots and no-look passes, Nix could bring his own flair, forcing the Chiefs to defend against a quarterback with a similarly dangerous skill set.

Additionally, by investing in a young quarterback, the Broncos can allocate resources elsewhere to build a strong supporting cast, something that teams like the Cincinnati Bengals have done with Joe Burrow. With a strong defense, capable receivers, and an improved offensive line, Nix could step into a situation where he’s not expected to carry the entire team but rather be the missing piece that elevates the Broncos into legitimate contenders.

The Importance of Timing

The timing of this move could be crucial for the Broncos. Mahomes is in the prime of his career, and the Chiefs show no signs of slowing down. However, the rest of the AFC West is in flux, with the Las Vegas Raiders undergoing a rebuild and the Los Angeles Chargers dealing with their own inconsistencies. If the Broncos can secure their quarterback of the future in Bo Nix and continue to build around him, they could find themselves in position to challenge Kansas City within the next few years.

Payton’s plan isn’t just about winning games—it’s about changing the balance of power in the AFC West. Drafting Nix could be the first step in a broader strategy to dethrone Mahomes and the Chiefs.

What If the Plan Fails?

Of course, drafting a quarterback is always a gamble. Not every college star becomes an NFL sensation, and there are plenty of examples of highly-touted prospects who fail to live up to expectations. If the Broncos do draft Bo Nix and he struggles to adjust to the NFL, it could set the franchise back for years, especially given the resources they would likely need to invest in him.

However, Sean Payton’s track record with quarterbacks suggests that if anyone can develop Nix into a star, it’s him. Payton’s ability to create schemes that play to his quarterbacks’ strengths, combined with his reputation for offensive innovation, gives the Broncos a legitimate chance to turn Nix into a star.

A Bold Gamble with Huge Potential

The Broncos’ pursuit of Bo Nix and their draft-day strategy to avoid tipping off other teams could be one of the most intriguing storylines in the upcoming NFL draft. Sean Payton knows that in order to compete with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, the Broncos need a game-changing quarterback—someone who can match Mahomes’ brilliance while also giving the Broncos their own unique offensive identity.

If Payton’s plan works and the Broncos can land Nix without sacrificing too much draft capital, it could set the stage for a new era in the AFC West, with Denver emerging as a legitimate challenger to Kansas City’s dominance. But if the plan falters, it could leave the Broncos stuck in mediocrity for years to come.

Either way, Payton’s approach to the draft is a reminder that in the NFL, the best-laid plans often hinge on a few crucial decisions. For the Broncos, the decision to target Bo Nix could be the move that finally helps them conquer Patrick Mahomes—or it could be another missed opportunity in their long search for a franchise quarterback.