Big Board ranking: #2

Positional ranking: #2

 

Overview

Position: QB

College: Oregon

Class: Senior

Age: 24

 

Measurables

Height: 6’2 1/8”

Weight: 214 lbs.

Arm length: 30 7/8″

Hand size: 10 1/8″

 

Athletic testing

40-yard dash: N/A

10-yard split: N/A

Vertical jump: N/A

Broad jump: N/A

Bench press: N/A

3-cone drill: N/A

Short shuttle: N/A

 

Strengths

Top-tier instincts and playmaking combination. High spatial awareness and field vision. Very fluid and loose arm talent. Extremely rare touch and accuracy on off-platform throws. Lightning quick release and pairs it with footwork. Great arm strength and zip. Flashes fantastic overall touch. Diagnoses early in the snap and is decisive with the ball. Excellent working short route combinations. Delivers the ball on the frame of pass-catchers for curls. Exceptional overall ball placement. Hits targets on the numbers or facemask. Allows run-after-catch opportunities with underneath precision. Rips throws accurately at the intermediate level. Excellent feel for spacing in coverage and waiting for a window to open. Holds until the receiver gets open on deeper over routes. Opportunistic with outstanding accuracy on the deep ball. Lays out downfield throws. Impressive touch/timing on wheel routes and slot fades. Will look off the safety when he knows he’s taking a shot. Uses his eyes and shoulders to manipulate defenders. Routinely takes check downs and recognizes when there will be room to pick up yards after the catch. Whips throws on the run. Delivers the ball with extreme accuracy when scrambling. Phenomenal ability to feel and escape pass rushers. Will slide up in the pocket and keep his eyes downfield. Terrific speed and overall mobility. Used on zone reads and quarterback sweeps. Protects himself as a runner to avoid big hits. Ideal ball handling with experience on play-action fakes from under center. Rarely takes sacks or turns the ball over. Most experienced quarterback in college football history with 61 career starts.

 

Weaknesses

Usually doesn’t result in the ball being put in danger but predetermines some throws/decisions. Can get off his progression a tick early and miss an opportunity that comes open. Could be a bit more aggressive seeking deeper throws at times.

 

NFL comparison

Jalen Hurts

 

Conclusion

Overall, Nix is a highly experienced and talented quarterback that will consistently win within structure and can make things happen on his own. The best fit for him would be in a quick-strike passing attack that includes opportunistic downfield shots and allows him to make plays with his legs.