Broncos draft Oregon quarterback Bo Nix

The Denver Broncos took Oregon quarterback Bo Nix during the NFL Draft on Thursday night, securing another pocket passer for a franchise desperately needing one .

The big picture: Nix was picked 12th overall and marks the team's first selection in this year's draft.

• The 24-year-old joins former New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson, who was traded to Denver earlier this week , and Jarrett Stidham, who started the Broncos' final two games last season.

Zoom in: Nix — who stands 6 feet, 2 inches tall and weighs 214 pounds — is among the most experienced quarterbacks in a class that saw five other QBs drafted in the first round.

• He recorded more than 15,000 passing yards and 113 touchdowns during his time in college, per the Denver Post .
• He was also named the 2023 Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year and a finalist for the Heisman Trophy .

What they're saying: "I was very excited, almost speechless when I got that call," Nix told Denver reporters after learning the news. "Just very excited. Very happy to be a Bronco."

• Head coach Sean Payton called him "an ideal fit for what we want here," per ESPN .

The intrigue: Denver Mayor Mike Johnston was spotted on national television while celebrating in the crowd in Detroit following the Broncos' announcement.

• Johnston was there "exploring a potential bid to host a future NFL draft," his spokesperson Jordan Fuja told the Denver Gazette .

What's next: The Broncos have seven draft picks remaining .