Here is a rewritten version of the content in my own words:
Seth Wickersham, a Senior Writer at ESPN and author of the upcoming book American Kings: A Biography of a Quarterback, shares insights from his conversations with Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton during the 2024 NFL draft season. Payton, at 60 years old and embarking on his 18th year as an NFL head coach, stresses the importance of selecting not just a quarterback but a leader who can shape a franchise. Reflecting on his career and scouting methods, Payton reveals a unique approach to evaluating quarterback prospects, focusing less on highlights and more on analyzing their failures to predict future success.
Back in 2017, when Payton was with the New Orleans Saints, he developed a formula to assess quarterback weaknesses by examining sack rates, turnovers, and decision-making speed — traits that often reveal underlying processing delays. He admired the legendary Drew Brees not for his arm strength but for his ability to multitask mentally on the field, quickly adjusting plays and reading defenses. This analytical model guided Payton through the draft process, though he famously missed out on Patrick Mahomes, who was picked by the Kansas City Chiefs and transformed Andy Reid’s coaching legacy.
In 2024, Payton used this formula to evaluate top quarterback prospects like Caleb Williams, Drake May, JJ McCarthy, and Bo Nix. Though Williams and May showed potential, Payton was particularly intrigued by Nix, whose college performance demonstrated an incredibly low rate of negative plays and a high completion percentage. Despite some criticism over Nix’s age and unconventional college journey, Payton believed he was the right fit for the Broncos’ vision and offense, confident that investing in him would pay off.
By January 2025, as the Broncos prepared for their first playoff game since their 2016 Super Bowl victory, Nix had started all 17 games in his rookie season, throwing 29 touchdowns and leading Denver back to the postseason. Payton meticulously tailored game plans to suit Nix’s strengths and preferences, simplifying the playbook to build the quarterback’s confidence. Although the team suffered a heavy loss against the Buffalo Bills, Payton remained optimistic, seeing Nix as his franchise quarterback for years to come.
Learning to thrive in the NFL demands ongoing growth, and Payton’s quarterback coach, Davis Webb, works closely with Nix and other quarterbacks to develop their understanding of the complex offensive system. Payton’s mantra for the 2025 season is “Good to Great,” aiming to build a Super Bowl contender through patience, gritty preparation, and trust in his young quarterback’s abilities.
Fan Take: This story offers NFL fans an inside look into the crucial, often unseen process coaches undergo to find and develop franchise quarterbacks. Sean Payton’s analytical yet intuitive approach highlights the evolving nature of talent evaluation and how the right coaching can unlock a young player’s potential, shaping the future of the sport.
