The Denver Broncos used the 12th pick in the 2024 NFL draft on quarterback Bo Nix, ensuring that the team got the quarterback head coach Sean Payton wanted.

However, based on other teams' reported evaluations, the Broncos might have been able to stay patient and nab him a bit later in the process.

During an appearance on The Ryen Russillo Podcast on Friday, former ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay said that he views Nix as a backup and that other teams he spoke to did not see him as a first-round-caliber player.

"What I want to say to this big picture is: I love stories like this. I promise you," McShay said. "I've talked to—let's call it a dozen, maybe a little more, maybe a couple less—but at least 10 guys in the league that are high-ranking evaluators and decision-makers in their organization. Nobody else had a first-round grade on him. I view him as a backup."

McShay continued by saying he believes the Broncos are a strong fit for Nix compared to other landing spots but referred to the selection as an "arrogant pick" by Payton.

"I do think that he's going to wind up being better in Denver than he would've been just about anywhere else in the league as a second-round pick. But my goodness, this is an arrogant pick. This is an arrogant pick."

Nix was the sixth and final quarterback taken in the first round.

He was ranked as the No. 5 QB and the 61st overall player in the draft by Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department.

While the Las Vegas Raiders were rumored to be considering a quarterback in the first round at No. 13 overall—one pick behind the Broncos—it's believed they had their sights set on Michael Penix Jr., who ultimately landed with the Atlanta Falcons at No. 8.