When Evan Engram signed with the Denver Broncos this offseason, the move raised eyebrows across the NFL. The veteran tight end, known for his athleticism, versatility, and playmaking ability, was coming off a solid campaign with the Jacksonville Jaguars. His decision to join a rebuilding Broncos franchise seemed, to some, like a curious choice. But to Engram, it wasn’t just about location, scheme, or even money. It was about belief—specifically, belief in the man who would be throwing him the ball: rookie quarterback Bo Nix.
Bo Nix, the 2023 Heisman finalist and one of the most experienced signal-callers to ever enter the NFL Draft, was taken by the Broncos with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He arrives in Denver with a mountain of expectations resting on his shoulders and the daunting task of reviving a franchise that has been desperate for stability at the quarterback position since Peyton Manning retired. For some, that challenge would be intimidating. For Engram, it’s just another reason why he believes Nix’s success is “inevitable.”
Speaking to reporters at the Broncos’ mandatory minicamp, Engram was candid, passionate, and deliberate in his praise for the 24-year-old quarterback.
“There’s just something about Bo,” Engram said. “The way he carries himself, the way he commands the huddle, the accuracy, the poise—he’s not playing like a rookie. I’ve played with some talented quarterbacks in my time, but Bo’s mental game is elite already. You can’t teach that. That’s why I say his success is inevitable.”
Engram’s comments come as Bo Nix continues to impress coaches and teammates during offseason workouts. From Day 1, Nix has demonstrated a command of Sean Payton’s complex offensive system that is rare for a rookie. He’s making reads quickly, delivering balls on time, and most importantly—earning the trust of the locker room.
“It’s one thing to have a big arm or run fast,” Engram added. “But in this league, what separates the good from the great is decision-making and leadership. Bo’s got both. And the way he studies? The guy is relentless. First one in, last one out. He’s watching film like a vet. You love to see that.”
While it’s early in the process, the growing chemistry between Engram and Nix has been hard to ignore. During OTAs and minicamp sessions open to the media, the pair connected frequently, especially in red-zone drills. Engram’s size, speed, and route-running precision have made him a reliable target for Nix, and the tight end appears poised to play a pivotal role in the rookie QB’s development.
“I told Bo straight up—trust me,” Engram said with a grin. “When you need that third-and-six, I’ll be there. When it’s crunch time in the red zone, I’ll be there. All he’s gotta do is put it where I can get it. And he’s been doing that. I can’t wait to see what it looks like on Sundays.”
Engram isn’t alone in his admiration for Nix. Broncos head coach Sean Payton, who is entering his second season with the team, has also spoken glowingly about his new quarterback. A known quarterback whisperer, Payton has built his reputation on developing signal-callers and designing systems that maximize their strengths. He’s already tailoring the playbook to fit Nix’s skill set—which includes pinpoint accuracy, mobility, and extensive college experience (a record 61 career starts between Auburn and Oregon).
“What you love about Bo is how quickly he processes,” Payton said during a recent press conference. “He’s decisive, understands coverages, and he’s coachable. We’ve thrown a lot at him, and he’s handled it with maturity and confidence. He’s everything we hoped he would be and more.”
Still, the road ahead won’t be easy. The AFC West remains one of the toughest divisions in football, with Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs still reigning supreme and Justin Herbert leading an explosive Chargers offense. The Raiders are rebuilding but unpredictable. The Broncos, meanwhile, are a team in transition—but one with a quietly promising roster.
Engram, who has seen the highs and lows of NFL life during his stints with the Giants and Jaguars, believes the Broncos are being slept on—and that’s just the way he likes it.
“Let everybody sleep,” he said. “Let the media count us out. That just fuels us more. We’ve got talent all over this roster. We’ve got a staff that believes. And now we’ve got a quarterback who can lead us. What more do you want?”
Bo Nix’s college career is a testament to perseverance and growth. After a rollercoaster tenure at Auburn, where he was often brilliant but inconsistent, Nix transferred to Oregon and completely redefined himself. Under the guidance of offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham and later Will Stein, he transformed into one of the nation’s most efficient passers, posting gaudy numbers while cutting down on mistakes. In his final season, Nix threw for over 4,500 yards, 45 touchdowns, and just 3 interceptions—earning him a trip to New York as a Heisman finalist and cementing his status as a top-tier NFL prospect.
For Engram, those numbers tell part of the story—but it’s Nix’s intangible qualities that matter most.
“Everybody talks about stats. Cool. But I’ve been around long enough to know stats don’t win games—leadership does. Toughness does. And Bo’s a winner. You can just feel it. The dude walks in a room and you feel his energy. It’s contagious.”
Engram is no stranger to playing with young quarterbacks. During his time with the Giants, he caught passes from Daniel Jones, and in Jacksonville, he worked alongside Trevor Lawrence, helping him develop into one of the league’s rising stars. That experience, he says, has taught him how to be a resource, a sounding board, and a calming presence for a developing quarterback.
“Bo and I talk a lot—about coverages, routes, concepts. I tell him what I see, and he tells me what he needs from me. That back-and-forth is crucial. I want him to know he’s not alone out there. He’s got vets who’ve got his back.”
While the Broncos haven’t officially named a Week 1 starter, all signs point to Bo Nix getting the nod. And if he does, he’ll have the support of a locker room that believes in him—led by a tight end who’s putting his full faith behind the rookie.
“There’s no doubt in my mind,” Engram said. “Bo Nix is going to be special in this league. Not just good—special. I’ve seen it. I feel it. His success? It’s not a matter of ‘if’—it’s ‘when.’ And I promise you, when it happens, the league better be ready.”
With training camp around the corner and the preseason looming, the Broncos are entering a new chapter—one defined by youth, hunger, and a commitment to rewriting their story. Bo Nix may be the face of that new era, but he won’t be walking alone. He’s got teammates like Evan Engram in his corner, ready to fight, ready to lead, and ready to win.
Time will tell how far Nix can take the Broncos. But if you ask Evan Engram, the answer is clear. The ceiling? It’s sky-high. The belief? Unshakable. And the journey? Just beginning.
