The Post's sports staff also hears opinions.

Oregon quarterback Bo Nix throws a pass against California during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022 in Berkeley, California. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez)

.After the Denver Broncos selected Oregon quarterback Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick on Day 1 of the NFL Draft, the newspaper's sports staff evaluated his performance.

Parker Gabriel, Broncos beat writer

School year:B-

The gut reaction to this pick will depend almost entirely on the strength of confidence in Sean Payton to draft a quarterback. The fact that the Knicks were sixth out of the top six selected on Thursday either proves that Payton and the Broncos' evaluation process is a great one, or it ends up looking like hopelessness. Probably one or the other. So while it's far from a sure bet that the Knicks will be a top pick at the NFL level, it's an interesting case study going forward.

Ryan McFadden, Broncos beat writer

School year:B-

Going into the draft, it felt like Denver couldn't leave without a quarterback. But taking Bo Nix at No. 12 seems like a reach. If the Broncos hadn't thought the Raiders would take Knicks at No. 13, they could have tried to get more picks and acquired Knicks after a trade back. The Knicks fit Sean Payton's offense and his experience (started 61 games in college) gives him a chance to be the starter in Week 1. But Broncos Country will have to have full trust that Payton knows something others don't.

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Troy Lenk, sports columnist

School year:B

There was no way the Broncos could justify leaving the first round without a quarterback. AFC is demanding it. The Knicks got a quarterback in Sean Payton with maturity, intelligence, a quick release and a talent for avoiding sacks. Is he Drew Brees? It's not fair. But can a sports game director keep his offensive line on schedule? Yes. USC's game film provides reason to believe that. His Auburn career causes pause. But you have to trust Peyton at some point. And all he's done is stake his legacy on the Knicks.

Sean Keeler, sports columnist

School year:B+

Will the child be able to achieve this at the age of 12? Yeah. Is Michael Penix Jr. better? Yeah. Not all NFL brain trusts love Bo Knicks as much as Sean Payton, and that's okay. This was a statement of intent, even if the Knicks are more Checkdown Charlie than Drew Brees II. On Day 1, the Broncos didn't emerge from the best QB draft in history empty-handed. In this league, you can't win big without first winning small.