A comprehensive guide to the quarterbacks of the 2024 NFL draft
This group of future NFL quarterbacks has it all.
Two Heisman winners, another North Carolinian who will be compared to the past ones, two who have been in college for much longer than four years and one national champion.
To prepare for the last weekend in April in Detroit — whether for if your team is in need of a franchise quarterback or fantasy football scouting — here is a breakdown, ranking and guide to know seven quarterbacks of the 2024 NFL draft.
1. Caleb Williams, USC (6-feet-1, 216 pounds, Junior, 22.1 years old)
Career stats: 37 games played, 1099 pass attempts, 66.9% completion, 10,082 passing yards, 966 rushing yards, 110 total touchdowns, 14 interceptions
Accolades: Heisman Trophy winner (2022), Maxwell Award (2022), Walter Camp Award (2022), AP College Football Player of the Year (2022), Unanimous All-American (2022), Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year (2022), First-team All-Pac-12 (2022), Second-team All-Big 12 (2021)
Where to begin with Caleb Williams? Since halfway through his freshman season at Oklahoma in 2021, he’s been college football’s shining star — and for good reason. In three years he accomplished everything but win a national championship.
Williams’ best trait is two; the combination of his arm talent and creativity makes him the most dangerous quarterback in the draft. He can make a throw anywhere on the field, from any angle, from any platform with any arm angle. His arm strength allows him to reach receivers 50+ yards downfield and make timing throws in rhythm with velocity. Williams’ release is clean and the ball fires off his hand.
Mechanically, Williams’ (normal) arm action isn’t an issue, and in the pocket with his feet set, his lower body is in sync with his upper body to create the torque needed for his trick-shot throws. His feet can be jittery at times when navigating the pocket, but that isn’t an issue as much as how he holds the ball. Williams fumbled 27 times in his career. This is a correctable issue, however, as when he scrambles or evades pressure, he holds the ball loosely with his right hand, which leads to easy mishandles and fumbles when a defender makes contact. It’s easy to fix in the NFL, all he has to do is learn to tuck it, hold the ball closer to his body and grip it tighter, but quarterbacks sometimes go back to their factory settings early in their NFL career, and this could nag him for some time.
Accuracy and ball placement is supreme. You can tell when a quarterback is great based on if you react to them having a bad throw, because of the infrequency of it happening. Williams is in this group. He can make throws into tight windows at all levels of the field, understands his receivers’ leverage sometimes better than he does and stops his receivers with the ball to avoid hits in the middle of the field. Even when scrambling, he can throw across his body at high speeds downfield to where only his receiver can catch it.
Despite his supreme talent, Williams doesn’t rely on his raw ability to make plays. He reads the field well, goes through his progressions well and timely, deceives defensive backs with his eyes and takes plays that maximize run after catch. Of all of Lincoln Riley’s quarterbacks, Williams may be the most intelligent on the field. That isn’t a knock on Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray or Jalen Hurts, but to show how potent of not just a playmaker, but a quarterback that Williams is. There are still some mistakes, especially under pressure and on throws off his backfoot, but he run’s Riley’s offense as well as anyone before.
His IQ also tells his legs when it’s time to go, and he’s got the athleticism to extend plays, draw defenders to close in so he can make throws on the run, and he’s one of the best runners in space. His pocket presence could use some work, such as feeling space around him when the pocket collapses, not running into rushers while trying to evade another and judging pre-snap where pressure may come from.
Williams is the highest overall player I’ve graded since Joe Burrow and has the potential to be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. He will enter the league with as much hype as “generational” prospects before him and could be top 10 at his position in his rookie year if in the right situation. His game can and will translate to the NFL.
Gabe’s Grade: 7.5/8 (first overall)
Comparison: Right-handed Steve Young
Ideal fit: an offense that forces him to go under center.
2. Drake Maye, North Carolina (6-feet-4, 230 pounds R-Sophomore, 21.3 years old)
Career stats: 30 games played, 952 pass attempts, 65% completion, 8,018 passing yards, 1,209 rushing yards, 79 total touchdowns, 16 interceptions
Accolades: ACC Player of the Year (2022), ACC Offensive Player of the Year (2022), ACC Rookie of the Year (2022), First-team All-ACC (2022), Second-team All-ACC (2023)
In most other classes, Drake Maye would be the consensus top quarterback on draft boards. Unfortunately for his signing bonus, he shares the draft with Caleb Williams.
Being the QB2 (more like 1B) isn’t a bad thing, though. Maye is a rare athlete among quarterbacks, with pro-ready size at a young age and the playmaking of a backyard football player.
At 6–3, 230, Maye knows he can take hits and treats his body like so, but also doesn’t make reckless decisions. He will be one of the best running quarterbacks in the league from day one. While he isn’t as fast as Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes, he’s quicker than most, is big to run physically and is aggressive enough to fight for extra yards with any means necessary, but can also scan the field like a running back — manipulating gaps and defenders, making quick cuts to turn wrap-ups into arm tackles and runs through that contact into the next level.
His arm is also special, but sometimes when watching tape it feels like he isn’t using his strength to its full potential. When he does, he can fire the ball downfield or into a tight window. Maye is great at reading, targeting and throwing to the middle of the field. He manipulates zone coverages and can throw to receivers on digs or crossers over linebackers, under safeties and between corners. His deep ball is also a marvel. He can connect with receivers on the run on posts and go routes, dropping the pass in the perfect spot without the receiver needing to adjust or slow down to come back to the ball.
Though he’s great over the middle, he lacks in quality on throws to routes outside the hashes. Whether a simple checkdown to the flats or a corner route downfield, Maye’s accuracy needs much improvement despite possessing the arm strength required. His timing and internal clock is just a little off with his receivers, which may not come quick in the NFL. His lower body mechanics aren’t great. He crosses his feet, he doesn’t throw at the top of his drop back when his backfoot hits the turf and though he navigates the pocket well, sometimes drifts awkwardly and into danger. These are all culprits of his timing issues, but he also needs to learn how to throw when the receiver is breaking on their route and throw with anticipation rather than when they turn to face him. He may struggle in a traditional west coast offense in the NFL.
Gabe’s grade: 7.0/8 (Top 10)
Comparison: First two seasons Josh Allen
Ideal fit: A team who lets him learn while being a playmaker.
(fantasy advice: draft Drake Maye)
3. Jayden Daniels, LSU (6-feet-4, 210 pounds, Senior, 23 years old)
Career stats: 55 games played, 1,438 pass attempts, 66.3% completion, 12,750 passing yards, 3,307 rushing yards, 123 total touchdowns, 20 interceptions
Accolades: Heisman Trophy winner (2023), Walter Camp Award (2023), AP College Football Player of the Year (2023), Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (2023), Davey O’Brien Award (2023), Consensus All-American (2023), SEC Offensive Player of the Year (2023), First-team All-SEC (2023)
Jayden Daniels will be one of the best rushing threat quarterbacks in the NFL from day one. He’s faster than fast. He turns the corner to get around defenders like Tyreek Hill and makes defenders miss with ease. His vision is like a running back’s when he scrambles. No first down is too far for Daniels.
Though elusive, he doesn’t slide. It’s a good problem to have when you’re constantly fighting for extra yards, which Daniels does, but at his size, injuries become and have already been a worry.
As a passer, Daniels’ Heisman season was his best. Is he still great at it? No, but it’s much better than before. He’s always been a good deep-ball thrower, even when he was throwing to Brandon Aiyuk at ASU as a freshman. But his field vision and breaking down coverages needs work. He doesn’t see linebackers well and is always looking down field when a check down is wide open. And when he doesn’t see a big play, Daniels takes off from the pocket.
His arm talent isn’t crazy like others in this class. It’s fine, but he’s not making throws to the field side numbers from the boundary side hash or on-the-run cross body heaves.
Daniels benefitted from constantly throwing to first-round pick receivers throughout his career with a good offensive line in front of him. In the NFL in a bad situation, he could struggle mightily, especially since it’s taken him five years in college to be an adequate passer. He’ll be a great rusher, but leading a great passing offense may never happen.
Gabe’s grade: 6.5/8 (Late first/early second round)
Comparison: Kyler Murray with less arm talent
Ideal fit: In a zone and power run scheme while he develops in a West Coast system.
(Mid-story note: I studied Cameron Ward after he declared for the NFL draft but before he transferred to Miami. Since he won’t leave college until next year, but I already graded him, I thought I’d leave it here regardless. I really liked him! He was my №4 quarterback with a 6.4 grade. Somewhat bummed he won’t be drafted ’til 2025, but he’s got a real shot at QB1.)
4. Michael Penix Jr., Washington (6-feet-3, 213 pounds, Senior, 23.7 years old)
Career stats: Career stats: 49 games played, 1,685 pass attempts, 63.3% completion, 13,741 passing yards, 265 rushing yards, 109 total touchdowns, 43 interceptions
Accolades: Maxwell Award (2023), First-team All-American (2023), Second-team All-Pac-12 (2022, 2023), AP Comeback Player of the Year (2022), Second-team All-Big Ten (2020)
After watching Michael Penix Jr. at the 2022 Alamo Bowl, I was hooked. His sidearm flick release with arm strength to hit anywhere on the field was addicting. He followed up that game with a better 2023 season, taking Washington to the national championship game.
Watching the tape still brought that fun. Penix throws with so much confidence. He knows his receivers are good, he knows he’s good and he knows his team is better than the defense (unless it’s Michigan). He plays in a pro-style offense with great weapons and sits behind a good offensive line. His deep-ball is good, not great, as he’s prone to overthrows. But when it’s on target, it’s a sight. Ball placement is superb, which makes it better when he’s throwing it across the field. His quick release, arm angles and quality footwork allow him to be sufficient in managing the quick passing game. Almost every time he hits the top of his drop, no matter where he’s targeting, the ball is coming out of his hand.
He doesn’t read the defense as much as he reads his receivers. Penix knows his targets can catch anything and get open quickly, but that means his deep throws are as credited to the receiver as him. He’s good over the middle and outside the numbers, and can work to the backside of a play when his first few reads aren’t open.
If Penix is such a great passer, why is he so low then?
Well, Penix is the definition of a statue in the pocket. His running ability is gone after a number of lower body injuries early in his career. Scrambling isn’t an option. He can’t really extend plays at all besides stepping up and navigating the pocket with a few steps. His creation is almost nonexistent. Unless you’re behind a great offensive line and are coached by a great offensive play caller, an inability to move is gone in the modern NFL.
Penix’s great receiving core at Washington may hurt him in the league, too. If he doesn’t have great options, he can’t just throw it up to a covered Rome Odunze and expect him to make a play. If receivers aren’t open, aren’t talented enough to make a play, can’t track his deep passes or pressure comes quick, Penix would have no options.
He could work in the right scheme with the right coaches and receivers, but that isn’t common in the NFL — nevertheless with teams that need an almost 24-year-old quarterback.
Gabe’s grade: 6.2/8 (Second round)
Comparison: Left-handed Derek Carr
Ideal fit: Good offensive line required
5. JJ McCarthy, Michigan (6-feet-3, 202 pounds, Junior, 21 years old)
Career stats: Career stats: 40 games played, 713 pass attempts, 67.6% completion, 6,226 passing yards, 632 rushing yards, 59 total touchdowns, 11 interceptions
Accolades: College Football Playoff national champion (2023), First-team All-Big Ten (2023), Second-team All-Big 12 (2022)
JJ McCarthy is the least-experienced quarterback in the class. Across three seasons as a starter, he threw less than 20 passes a game. McCarthy benefitted from the best run game in the country and sat behind the best offensive line. When he was forced to throw, he flashed NFL-worthy plays, but mostly showed his inexperience.
Regardless, his accuracy stands out. His ball placement is good, especially on throws over the middle and to the seams. On throws outside the hashes, he struggles, though. On the run, the quality dips, but at times, he makes pro-level throws.
McCarthy is limited in his ability to read the field. He sticks to his first concept read, stares at his receivers without looking away to manipulate defenders and forces a throw instead of progressing to the rest of the field. Rarely did he stay calm in the pocket — especially with the number of perfect ones he had — flip his hips and move through the play as intended. Sometimes it works, but it won’t against NFL defenses. His footwork in the pocket is jittery even when the pocket is clean and shows nerves when the play isn’t perfect.
His creation is also mostly scrambling. He’s not the best athlete, he won’t make defenders miss or run past them, but he’s still a threat to keep the ball or escape the pocket for a first down. His arm strength isn’t comparable to others in the class either, but he understands timing and can make rhythm throws, though his arm action needs to be quicker.
McCarthy is worth taking a shot on. He’s the youngest quarterback in the class and possesses some tools. If he’s in the right situation and is given time to develop, he could be OK.
Gabe’s grade: 6.0/8 (Third-fourth round)
Comparison: Daniel Jones
Ideal fit: A team who wants to and has the time to develop a young quarterback on the bench for multiple seasons.
6. Bo Nix, Oregon (6-feet-2, 217 pounds, Senior, 23.9 years old)
Career stats: Career stats: 61 games played, 1,936 pass attempts, 66.4% completion, 15,352 passing yards, 1,613 rushing yards, 151 total touchdowns, 26 interceptions
Accolades: NCAA record for highest completion percentage (2023), William V. Campbell Trophy (2023), Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year (2023), First-team All-Pac-12 (2023), SEC Freshman of the Year (2019), Most career starts at quarterback (61)
I was a junior in high school when Bo Nix played his first game at Auburn. By the time his first season ends, I’ll have graduated college. He played against junior Justin Herbert, who became the second highest paid quarterback in the NFL almost a year ago.
Nix is the most experienced quarterback in NCAA history. But is he good? Meh.
It’s not much his fault, but Oregon runs more screens than any other football team in the world. Nix’s average depth of target is the lowest among quarterbacks in this class and almost 70% of his passing yards in 2023 were from after the catch. Nix was almost never sacked and rarely turned the ball over, but that’s more on his offense and desire to get the ball out as fast as possible more than his pocket presence and decision making.
In fact, Nix crumbles under pressure. At times he can step up in the pocket and find a check down or start scrambling, but when there’s a defender in his face, he doesn’t know what to do. When he escapes pressure, he runs without a goal and his accuracy is much worse.
When he reads the field, his goal is either immediate check down or go deep; not much in between. His arm talent is pretty good, though. Not the best in this class and will be average in the NFL, but it’s enough. Nix is a good deep-ball thrower and can lead receivers with the ball.
Nix has the athleticism to at least be a project, and he’ll already be older than many quarterbacks in the NFL playoffs this year. He’s worth taking later in the draft for a team that could uses a backup, but he won’t be a franchise changing player.
Gabe’s grade: 5.9/8 (Day 3)
Comparison: Tommy DeVito
Ideal fit: West coast/Shanahan offense backup
7. Michael Pratt, Tulane (6-feet-3, 220 pounds, R-Junior, 22.3 years old)
Career stats: Career stats: 44 games played, 1,204 pass attempts, 60.6% completion, 9,611 passing yards, 1,147 rushing yards, 118 total touchdowns, 26 interceptions
Accolades: AAC Offensive Player of the Year (2023), First-team All-AAC (2023), Second-team All-ACC (2022)
College quarterbacks, even the best prospects, don’t do much before the snap. The don’t really diagnose defenses and think where they want to go before the play begins, but Michael Pratt knows ball.
Pratt releases the ball at the top of his drop to his predetermined spot, but if his first read is taken, he forces the throw anyway. He feels the pocket well, so though he knows he has the time, he makes some bad decisions in the pocket.
Pratt isn’t the greatest athlete. He can run, but not close to the level of the others in the class besides Penix. He knows when to tuck and run, and feels pressure well, but isn’t going to scramble for first downs or make a throw on the run on 3rd-and-long.
His arm strength is pretty good, but likely the worst among these seven quarterbacks. His accuracy is fine, but not great.
Pratt will be a good backup, but likely nothing more than that. Still worth for teams taking if they want a young backup who can be competent for a few games.
Gabe’s grade: 5.8/8 (Day 3)
Comparison: Tyson Bagent
Ideal fit: Backup to a contending team with good weapons
