The Bo Nix draft saga is a prime example of the behind-the-scenes drama that makes the NFL so fascinating
Thanks to Jay Glazer’s role as a middleman, Sean Payton was eventually able to rest easy knowing he wouldn’t have to compete with the Rams for his quarterback.
Now, all eyes will be on Nix as he embarks on his NFL career with the Denver Broncos.
The Rams’ predicament serves as a cautionary tale for NFL franchises. Failing to plan for the future at quarterback can lead to prolonged struggles, even for teams with strong coaching and talent elsewhere.
While Bo Nix thrives in Denver, the Rams are left in the dark, wondering about Matthew Stafford’s next move.
If they had drafted Nix, they wouldn’t be in this position. Now, they must scramble to find a solution before it’s too late.
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Jay Glazer Became the Middleman Between Sean McVay and Sean Payton
The NFL Draft is a time of excitement, strategy, and sometimes, misinformation. Coaches and executives work behind the scenes, making calls, analyzing prospects, and even trying to get an edge on their rivals.1
One recent story that has caught the attention of fans and analysts alike involves Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, and the role of Fox reporter Jay Glazer in the Bo Nix draft saga.
Bo Nix, the highly touted quarterback from Oregon, was one of the most intriguing prospects heading into the 2024 NFL Draft.
With a combination of leadership, experience, and a strong arm, he had several teams considering him as their potential franchise quarterback.
The Denver Broncos ultimately selected him with the 12th overall pick, but behind the scenes, there was an interesting twist involving Sean Payton’s pursuit of him.
Funnnn day with the team on #BourbonStreet getting ready for our show tomorrow @nflonfox #superbowl #neworleans #FrenchQuarter @FOXSports pic.twitter.com/Xlq2L9bKbi
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) February 8, 2025
Sean Payton’s Concern Over the Rams
According to Jay Glazer, Sean Payton was convinced that the Rams were making moves to trade up and select Bo Nix.
This belief caused Payton significant stress in the days leading up to the draft, as he feared losing his preferred quarterback prospect to another team.
“Sean knew about Bo Nix the day of his Pro Day,” Glazer said. “Literally back then … he kept calling me, and somebody had given him some bad information that the Rams were trying to trade up for Bo Nix.
I’m like, ‘Dude, they’re not.’ He was convinced … and he was driving me crazy, he was calling me a million times.”
Jay Glazer Steps In as the Middleman
As a well-connected NFL insider, Jay Glazer often finds himself in the middle of major NFL stories, and this was no different.2
Seeing how anxious Payton was about the Rams’ supposed interest in Nix, Glazer took it upon himself to clear up the situation.
He reached out to Sean McVay to confirm whether the Rams were indeed planning to trade up for Bo Nix.
“I’m like, ‘Bro, I’m telling you you’re good, nobody in front of you has him,'” Glazer said. “I literally called Sean McVay, and I said, ‘Do me a favor. … Can I let Sean Payton know that you’re not trading up? Because this dude ain’t going to sleep for like five more days and he’s driving me crazy.’”
McVay’s Reaction to the Situation
Sean McVay, known for his strategic mind and sometimes playful approach to the game, initially decided to let Payton sweat a little before giving Glazer permission to relay the truth.
“I think Sean McVay at first (said), ‘Wait another couple of days then you can do it,'” Glazer revealed. Eventually, McVay allowed Glazer to reassure Payton that the Rams were not in fact planning to move up for Nix.
When the time came for the Rams to make their first-round selection, they chose Jared Verse, a talented pass rusher from Florida State, with the 19th overall pick.
If they had truly wanted Bo Nix, they would have needed to trade up past the Broncos at 12, something that never happened. This only confirmed that Payton’s fears were unfounded.
Jay Glazer: The Broncos Secure Their Quarterback
With the 12th overall pick, the Denver Broncos selected Bo Nix, giving Payton the quarterback he had been targeting all along.3
Despite the unnecessary stress caused by the false information, Payton ultimately got his guy. Nix is expected to play a crucial role in the Broncos’ offense, bringing his college experience and skill set to the next level.
Now that Bo Nix is officially a Denver Bronco, the real work begins. As a rookie quarterback, he will have to quickly adapt to the NFL’s speed and complexity.
Payton, known for his offensive genius, will likely craft a system that plays to Nix’s strengths.
If all goes well, Nix could be the long-term answer at quarterback for a team that has struggled at the position in recent years.
Lessons from the Draft-Day Drama
The Bo Nix saga highlights several key lessons about the NFL Draft process:
- Misinformation Runs Rampant: In the weeks leading up to the draft, rumors and speculation can spread quickly, sometimes leading to unnecessary panic among teams.
- The Importance of Reliable Sources: Having trusted insiders like Jay Glazer can help teams separate fact from fiction in high-stakes situations.
- Strategic Gamesmanship is Common: McVay’s decision to delay clearing up the rumor shows how teams often use every possible advantage, even if it’s just psychological.
- Coaches Are Highly Invested: The fact that Sean Payton was losing sleep over the possibility of missing out on Nix underscores how much these decisions mean to NFL coaches.
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Jay Glazer: Revolution
Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos have taken the NFL world by storm. Among the quarterbacks selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, Nix has already solidified himself as a frontrunner in terms of success.
While Jayden Daniels may have garnered the most hype, Nix has proven to be the winningest quarterback of his class.
Under the guidance of Sean Payton, the Broncos have experienced a resurgence, and Nix has been a major catalyst.
His poise, accuracy, and decision-making have transformed a franchise that was desperate for stability under center. What once seemed like a lost team following Russell Wilson’s struggles has now found new life in Nix.
His ability to extend plays while maintaining efficiency has drawn comparisons to elite quarterbacks of the past.
Rams’ Looming Quarterback Crisis
While the Denver Broncos revel in the success of their rookie quarterback, the Los Angeles Rams face uncertainty at the most crucial position in football.
Sean McVay’s team is stuck in limbo, waiting on a decision from veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Stafford, now in his mid-30s, has battled injuries and inconsistencies over the past few seasons. Though he led the Rams to a Super Bowl victory in the 2021 season, questions surrounding his long-term viability have surfaced.
Reports suggest that Stafford is contemplating retirement, leaving the Rams with no clear successor.
Regardless of what path they choose, the Rams must act quickly. The worst-case scenario is entering the 2025 season without a clear answer at quarterback. McVay has built a successful system, but without a capable signal-caller, the offense will sputter.
The Rams have talent across the roster, but the NFL is a quarterback-driven league. If they fail to address this issue, they risk wasting the prime years of players like Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, and Kyren Williams.
Jay Glazer: The Draft Decision That Haunts the Rams
Had the Rams selected Bo Nix instead of defensive end Jared Verse in the 2024 NFL Draft, they would not be in this predicament.
Verse, the talented pass rusher from Florida State, had an outstanding rookie season, even securing the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. However, his presence does nothing to address the team’s glaring quarterback issue.
McVay and the Rams’ front office prioritized bolstering their defense rather than planning for life after Stafford.
It was a gamble, and while Verse has paid off in terms of individual success, the team’s lack of foresight at quarterback may cost them dearly in the coming seasons.
Jay Glazer: Street Show
Jay Glazer went to the Bourbon street with his team before the day of their SuperBowl show and shared glimpses on his instagram account.
View this post on Instagram
The Importance of a Quarterback Succession Plan
- Every successful franchise understands the importance of quarterback succession. The Kansas City Chiefs had Alex Smith before transitioning seamlessly to Patrick Mahomes.
- The Green Bay Packers had Brett Favre before Aaron Rodgers took over. The New England Patriots thrived for two decades under Tom Brady before eventually transitioning to Mac Jones (though with mixed results).
- The Rams, however, have failed to implement a similar strategy. Instead of grooming a young quarterback behind Stafford, they have been content with short-term solutions.
- Now, they find themselves vulnerable should Stafford decide to hang up his cleats.
- If Stafford were to retire, who would take over? The Rams’ current depth chart offers little optimism. They lack a young, promising quarterback waiting in the wings.
- While some teams opt for bridge quarterbacks in such situations, the free-agent market does not present many viable solutions.
- Moreover, trading for a high-profile quarterback would cost the Rams valuable draft capital, further complicating their roster-building efforts.
- The lack of a long-term contingency plan is a glaring issue that the front office will need to address sooner rather than later.
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