Jul 14, 2026, 5:32 AM CUT

Bo Nix’s standing takes another hit before the season even starts

KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMhttps://www.si.com/nfl/broncos/onsi/broncos-massive-bo-nix-bargain-reflected-in-latest-qb-rankingsBER 25: Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix 10 after a Christmas Day NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs on December 25, 2025 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire NFL: DEC 25 Broncos at Chiefs EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2512251473

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix enters the 2026 season with plenty to prove after being left outside ESPN's annual quarterback rankings.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the rankings were based on votes from NFL executives, coaches, and scouts. Nix didn't crack the top 10, and did not even receive enough votes to earn an honorable mention. That left him just outside the league's highest-ranked quarterbacks entering 2026.

"Also receiving votes: Bo Nix, Daniel Jones, C.J. Stroud," Fowler wrote.

KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 25: Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix 10 rolls out in the second quarter of a Christmas Day NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs on December 25, 2025 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire NFL: DEC 25 Broncos at Chiefs EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2512250447

Last season, Nix threw for 3,931 yards and scored 25 touchdowns, numbers that helped Denver reach the playoffs. Yet he did not land a spot in the ESPN rankings by Jeremy Fowler.

Denver finished 14-3 and secured the AFC's top seed before Nix suffered a fractured ankle in the Divisional Round against the Buffalo Bills.

Questions about his recovery may have influenced how voters viewed him, though there's been positive news since the season ended.

A recent workout video showed Nix back on the field, and Broncos head coach Sean Payton has previously indicated he expects his quarterback to be ready for training camp, as per Sports Illustrated.

The discussion doesn't end with the ESPN rankings, though. Another offseason evaluation suggested a much different picture of Nix's value around the league.

Why Bo Nix's value remains high despite the ranking

Bo Nix's ankle recovery remains on schedule after he underwent a planned follow-up procedure earlier this year.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported in April that the Broncos expected to be cautious during the offseason program, but that Nix remained on track for the start of training camp.

Nix's production has also continued to earn recognition elsewhere. Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon recently named him the NFL's "Most Underpaid Player" for the second straight offseason, pointing to the value Denver is getting from its starting quarterback.

The former first-round pick has already compiled a 24-10 regular-season record across his first two NFL seasons.

He also helped Denver reach the playoffs in consecutive years, giving the Broncos stability at quarterback as he prepares for a pivotal third campaign.

Whether the ESPN survey becomes extra motivation remains to be seen. What is certain is that Nix will have another opportunity this fall to change how league evaluators view him after a successful season.

Did league executives and coaches get it wrong by leaving Bo Nix out of the top 10, or does he still have to prove he belongs among the elite? Let us know your thoughts in the comments

Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore