Broncos may be targeting another of Bo Nix’s college teammates in NFL Draft

During the 2024 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos took Bo Nix in the first round. Later in the draft, they traded up in the fourth round to add his No. 1 wide receiver while at Oregon, Troy Franklin. 

The Broncos already had Nix’s former center, Alex Forsyth, on the roster and seemed to be looking to create a familiar setting for their new quarterback. 

Both Franklin and Forsyth struggled last season. Forsyth was beaten out by Luke Wattenberg for the starting center spot and was the player most responsible for giving up the blocked field goal in the team’s devastating loss at Arrowhead Stadium to the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Franklin had a rough training camp and preseason and was surpassed on the depth chart by seventh-round pick Devaughn Vele. However, he and Nix began to click toward the end of the season. He finished his rookie campaign with 28 receptions for 263 yards and two touchdowns but he also had a huge touchdown catch in the playoffs against Buffalo. 

The Broncos learned from their loss to the Bills that they have a good team but need more firepower. Could the Broncos look back at Oregon for more help?

Wide receiver Tez Johnson, an Oregon teammate of Nix, has recently been connected to the team as a potential draft choice. Johnson was asked about the idea of being drafted by Nix at the Reese’s Senior Bowl and after calling Nix his “brother”, he said it would be a “dream come true” to play in Denver. 

Johnson, who was also a college teammate of Nix, was taken in by the Nix family at a young age. 

Pro Football and Sports Network likes the idea of Johnson joining the Broncos. In their recent 7-round mock draft, they have the Broncos selecting him at No. 51 overall in the second round. 

“Denver is bringing the whole Oregon gang back together. Tez Johnson rejoining Troy Franklin and Bo Nix is a dream scenario to help take the Broncos offense to the next level. While Johnson may be undersized, he has the speed to stress defenses like Tank Dell”, wrote PFSN. 

Johnson was one of the top wide receivers in the country while at Oregon. Though his yardage numbers dropped considerably in 2024 with Nix in the NFL, he still caught 83 passes and scored 10 touchdowns. 

If the Broncos have a chance to Johnson in the draft and if Nix has anything to say about it, there’s a good chance this pick becomes a reality. 

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