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With the first round of the playoffs done, the first 24 picks of the 2024 NFL Draft are set. For several of the teams out of the current Super Bowl race, finding a franchise quarterback in the draft this year is – or should be – a priority.
There are more than a handful of talented quarterback prospects that could be that guy for their next team. Southern California’s Caleb Williams and North Carolina’s Drake Maye have dominated the tops of draft boards for months, but LSU’s Jayden Daniels, Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. and others could be excellent options as well.
Here are the landing spots for some of the top quarterback prospects in the 2024 class, according to draft analysts.
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Caleb Williams, Southern California
Williams has claimed the status of top quarterback prospect in this year’s draft class since last season, one that was good enough to win him the Heisman Trophy. He has a live arm that allows him to make throws downfield and fit passes into tight windows. He also boasts improvisational skills that give him chances to succeed even when a play breaks down.
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Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY: Chicago Bears, No. 1 overall
Ryan Fowler, The Draft Network: Washington Commanders, No. 2 overall
Dane Brugler, The Athletic: Chicago Bears, No. 1 overall
Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: Washington Commanders, No. 2 overall
Drake Maye, North Carolina
Maye’s Tar Heels didn’t have as much success as they might have hoped for this year, but the young quarterback’s draft stock shouldn’t be affected. He’s a poised passer in the pocket that is comfortable zipping passes or adding extra touch depending on the situation. Maye is capable of extending plays with his legs as well, which keeps opposing defenses honest when he drops back to pass.
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY: Washington Commanders, No. 2 overall
Ryan Fowler, The Draft Network: New England Patriots, No. 3 overall
Dane Brugler, The Athletic: Washington Commanders, No. 2 overall
Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: New England Patriots, No. 3 overall
Jayden Daniels, LSU
Daniels won the Heisman Trophy this season after an excellent string of performances down the Tigers’ final stretch of games. He is a true dual-threat quarterback whose legs are as much of a weapon as his arm. When he feels threatened in the pocket, he can burst up the middle or to the outside and pick up yards. At the same time, he’s also capable of hitting receivers in stride on deep throws downfield or finding open men after scrambling out of the pocket.
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY: New England Patriots, No. 3 overall
Ryan Fowler, The Draft Network: New York Giants, No. 6 overall
Dane Brugler, The Athletic: Atlanta Falcons, No. 8 overall
Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: Chicago Bears, No. 9 overall
J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
Michigan won its first national championship in football since 1997, and McCarthy helped lead them there. The Wolverines didn’t ask him to push the ball downfield much, but when he did have to step up and make a play, he often succeeded. McCarthy has a level of mobility as well that allows him to extend plays.
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY: Las Vegas Raiders, No. 13 overall
Dane Brugler, The Athletic: Los Angeles Rams, No. 19 overall
Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: Atlanta Falcons, No. 8 overall
Michael Penix Jr., Washington
Penix was in line to win the Heisman for several weeks until he wavered slightly down the stretch. Still, one need look no further than the Huskies’ CFP Semifinal win over Texas in the Sugar Bowl to see how enticing Penix is as a thrower. He has an excellent football IQ paired with a great arm that can fit throws into tight windows over the middle of the field or deep down the sideline.
Ryan Fowler, The Draft Network: Minnesota Vikings, No. 11 overall
Dane Brugler, The Athletic: Las Vegas Raiders, No. 44 overall
Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: Minnesota Vikings, No. 11 overall
Bo Nix, Oregon
There are a variety of projections for Nix’s landing spots and takes on his draft stock. After arriving at Oregon in 2022 as a transfer, Nix led the Ducks to a couple of excellent seasons. He showed off his arm especially in 2023, throwing 45 touchdowns and setting an NCAA record with a 77.4% completion rate.
Ryan Fowler, The Draft Network: Denver Broncos, No. 12 overall
Dane Brugler, The Athletic: New England Patriots, No. 34 overall
Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: Denver Broncos, No. 12 overall
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