The quarterback position for the Denver Broncos has been firmly under the spotlight this offseason as they parted ways with Russell Wilson and traded for Zach Wilson, and they addressed the spot yet again during Thursday's NFL draft.

Denver selected Oregon quarterback Bo Nix at No. 12 overall, and Broncos head coach Sean Payton explained the decision during an appearance on ESPN's Pat McAfee's draft show:

He highlighted how Nix was "first on third downs, first with fewest sacks. The most accurate passer in college football history. First at the end of the half in two-minute. First at the end of the game in two-minute ... Number one, he's extremely smart and he handles his protections."

Payton also highlighted his arm strength and work ethic.

While Nix may have been overshadowed by other QB prospects such as Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy and Michael Penix Jr. at times leading up to the draft, it is impossible to argue with his production.

He was the 2023 Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year with the Ducks and completed 77.4 percent of his passes for 4,508 yards, 45 touchdowns and three interceptions.

Yet he was more than just a pocket passer and accounted for 234 yards and six touchdowns on the ground. The effort came after he ran for 510 yards and 14 touchdowns the previous season for Oregon, which was his first after he transferred from Auburn.

Nix is 24 years old, so it is at least fair to be concerned about his overall upside.

However, he could compete for the starting role right away with the Broncos. Russell Wilson is no longer there, and Zach Wilson has largely failed to live up to the expectations that were placed on him when he entered the league as the No. 2 overall pick in 2021.

Perhaps a change of scenery from the New York Jets to Denver will help Wilson play at a higher level, but it's not as if Nix is competing against Patrick Mahomes or Aaron Rodgers for a starting role.

Payton was effusive in his praise of the Oregon product, who proved he could use his athleticism to escape pressure all while making plenty of throws all over the field at the collegiate level.

If he can replicate that in the NFL, he will be starting in Denver in no time.