The Top Quarterback Prospects entering the 2024 NFL Draft
CALEB WILLIAMS
By John Mesenbrink @JohnMesenbrink
USC (JR), QB
Interestingly, current Chicago Bear WR Tyler Scott recently changed his number from 13 to 10, making room for newly-acquired Keenan Allen or this former USC QB standout. Either way, it’s a foregone conclusion that Caleb Williams will be the number 1 pick in the upcoming NFL draft, and rightfully so. While his numbers were a bit below his sophomore campaign (Heisman Trophy with school record 42 passing TDs, 4,537 passing yards with only 5 INTs), last year his 30 passing TDs and 3,633 passing yards wasn’t too shabby. Yet, it’s his passing efficiency numbers that are eye-popping — 168.5 in 2022 and 170 in 2023. He has been compared to Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers. With a history of futility at the QB position, the Chicago Bears will kindly take those comps. If all holds true to form, Williams will be a day-one starter for the Chicago Bears.
Pluses:
• Playmaker
• Red Zone Efficiency
• Vision
• Anticipates Pressure, Extends Plays
• Spatial Awareness
• Arm Talent — Strength & Velocity from Multiple Arm Angles
• Accuracy and Efficiency
• Hip Flexibility
Concerns:
• Height
• Footwork
• Reading NFL Defenses
• Less Time to Throw
JAYDEN DANIELS
By John Mesenbrink @JohnMesenbrink
LSU (SR), QB
Last season’s Heisman Trophy Award winner, Daniels’ rare blend of playmaking ability with his arm and legs makes him a top 3 QB in this year’s draft and a projected day one starter in the NFL. Actually, there are some that believe he should be the number 1 QB taken based off of last year’s numbers. His 2023 campaign saw 3,812 passing yards, 40 passing TDs with only 4 INTs and a 72.2 completion percentage. Oh, did we mention the school record 1,134 rushing yards and 10 rushing TDs? Over time, Daniels could become a fantasy points machine.
Pluses:
• Accuracy
• Leadership
• Football IQ
• Running Talent & Speed
• Speed
• Pocket Maneuverability & Escapability
Concerns:
• Durability
• Non-Elite Arm Strength
• Extended Progressions
• Inconsistent Ball Placement
J.J. MCCARTHY
By John Mesenbrink @JohnMesenbrink
Michigan (JR), QB
One of the biggest risers on draft boards in the upcoming NFL draft, J.J. McCarthy is getting strong consideration from teams looking to move up in the draft. One could argue, is McCarthy’s juice worth the squeeze? Naysayers will point out that he played on a defensive team at Michigan, which was a run-first-type offense. Let’s dive into the numbers. While navigating last year’s national championship team, McCarthy passed for 2,991 yards, 22 TDs and 4 INTs, with a school-record 72.3 completion percentage. He also ran for 202 yards and 3 rushing TDs. There is also something to be said of his 27–1 record as a starter for the Wolverines. Should be a top 5 QB taken in the draft — likely drafted by a QB-needy, or dare I say QB-desperate team — and should be a day one starter in the NFL.
Pluses:
• Experience & Leadership
• Arm Talent & Velocity
• On-Field Focus
• Above-Average Quickness
• Speed, Agility & Evasiveness
• Accuracy over Middle of the Field
• Run Threat
Concerns:
• Accuracy Outside Numbers
• First Read QB
• Footwork
• Long Balls Lack Touch
• Physical Size
DRAKE MAYE
By John Mesenbrink @JohnMesenbrink
North Carolina (rSO), QB
The last time a highly-touted, number 10-wearing QB came out of North Carolina, well, it didn’t work so great (for Mitch). Could this time be different? There is so much need at the quarterback position this year, a handful of them are coming at a premium, which translates to high draft picks. It is no different for Drake Maye, who undoubtedly will be one of the top three QBs taken, and he should be starting day one in the NFL this upcoming season. His 2022 numbers made you pay attention: 4,321 passing yards, 38 passing TDs, 7 INTs with 698 rushing yards and 7 rushing TDs. His 2023 numbers dipped with 3,608 passing yards, 24 TDs, 9 INTs with 449 rushing yards and 9 rushing TDs. Which quarterback will you get? Doesn’t matter. He will be drafted high and inserted early into a starting NFL offense.
Pluses:
• Size & Frame
• Leadership
• Mobility
• High-Level Arm Strength & Talent
• Accuracy
Concerns:
• Decision Making
• Footwork
• Forces Throws
• Pressure Escapability
MICHAEL PENIX JR.
By Brandon Lane
Washington (SR), QB
A 3-star recruit, Penix began his collegiate career at Indiana University. He struggled with numerous injuries including suffering an ACL injury which eventually led him to transfer to the University of Washington. The move proved to be an excellent decision as he threw for 4,641 yards and 31 TDs in his debut season. Penix went on to best that in his final season throwing for 4,903 yards and 36 TDs. That illustrious season led him to finish behind only fellow QB, Jayden Daniels (LSU) in Heisman votes. While we should see an early run on quarterbacks in this years draft I think we won’t see Penix drafted until the early second round as the likely QB5.
Pluses:
• Size (6’2”, 218 lbs)
• Traditional pocket Passer with great accuracy
• Arm strength
Concerns:
• Lack of athleticism
• Struggles outside the pocket
• Reaction to duress or heavy pressure
• Injury history
• Age (turns 24 in May)
Others of note:
By Brandon Lane
BO NIX, OREGON (SR), 6'2, 214lbs
A five year collegiate starter, Nix is an exciting NFL prospect. He has a quick release with rushing upside but he likes to check down too easily. My biggest question from watching him at the Senior Bowl was does he have a deep ball? He rarely threw downfield and when he did it was off target. While many have him as a Round 1 possibility I think teams would be better off waiting until Round 2 or later.
SPENCER RATTLER, SOUTH CAROLINA (SR), 6'0, 211lbs
Rattler is a pocket passer with an NFL caliber arm but struggles with deep ball accuracy. He moves well in the pocket but lacks a scambling upside to his game. He’s another name that has surfaced as a Round 1 possibility, but I don’t think we see his name called until Round 3.
