Is Bo Nix the answer for Broncos coach Sean Payton?

If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, quacks like a duck, then it is probably Bo Nix.

The mock drafts continue to mock us, pinning any number of quarterbacks to the Broncos’ mane. But the most prevalent remains Oregon’s Nix. There are a number of reasons why Nix could fit as the 12th overall pick, most notably his athleticism, toughness and experience. I think he replaced Dan Fouts at Oregon, but need to double check this.

My issues with Nix are two-fold: value and projection. He is not a top-12 player in this draft even when pretzling logic because of the importance of the position. Watching Nix’s games, I struggle to see how it will consistently translate because of his so-college offense of slants, sticks and picks.

So why could this work, ending the madness of incompetence? As scouts like to say, Nix never gets bored by completions. He will take the 4-yarder on first down to stay on schedule. He will also avoid sack sabotage, which, along with goal-to-goal fizzles, drove coach Sean Payton batty about Russell Wilson.

Nix was the point guard of a quick, efficient fast break. It has left a range of comparables from a mobile Jimmy Garoppolo (ESPN’s Jordan Reid) to a taller Tua Tagovailoa (NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah and ESPN’s Mina Kimes). But what if he’s just a fringe starter and trusted backup? That is the player I saw at Auburn that I struggle to unsee.

As the draft inches closer, Nix checks boxes in what Payton seeks in a quarterback. He could be the pick. And if the coach misses, he better chuck and duck. Quack, quack.

Will he be chosen because he’s the son of the chosen one? USC’s Bronny James entered the transfer portal and the NBA draft. LeBron has made it clear he would love to team up with his son. But this isn’t the Griffeys. Not even close. I would love to see Bronny play one more year in college. It would allow him to improve his game so his entrance to the NBA sets him up for success and is viewed through the lens of his accomplishments, not his last name. …

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Friendly reminder that in a few weeks, Nikola Jokic will become only the ninth player to win three MVP awards. The others: Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Moses Malone, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Let us never get bored by Joker’s brilliance. …

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How can we tell women’s college hoops has passed the men’s game in popularity? Oven-mitt-required takes are now happening with regularity to the likes of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. ….