2024 NFL Draft | Rookie Quarterback Rankings: Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye and More
There could be up to five quarterbacks drafted in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft and we've ranked them all for you.
1. Jayden Daniels, LSU
Daniels is my top quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft. He won't be the first quarterback off the board but will prove to be the best professional in a strong class. What sets him apart from the others is his football I.Q. and leadership skills. That's not to say he lacks any physical talent, however, it's his mentality that makes him special.
It's evident that he has complete command of the offense both before and after the snap, and can quickly go through multiple progressions. His learning curve will be the smallest by a large margin compared to the rest of his rookie class.
As a passer, he's accurate and can throw with anticipation. While he has an excellent ability to make plays with his legs, he's not a running quarterback. That will help maintain his health being that he's 6-foot-4, but just 210 pounds. His footwork and pocket presence are also outstanding which allows him to scramble and make something out of nothing with his legs when he needs to. We'd compare his running ability to a guy like Patrick Mahomes much more than a Lamar Jackson or Jalen Hurts.
He performed at the highest level against the best competition in the SEC. Odds are, he won't be drafted first overall, however, that will prove to be a mistake and it will be evident quickly. Whoever does get him will have themselves a franchise quarterback for a long time.
2. Caleb Williams, USC
Williams will be the first overall pick in this draft and it's easy to see why even if we have him ranked at No. 2 here. His upside is clear and he makes a highlight reel of "wow" plays. Some of the plays he makes out of seemingly nothing are simply incredible.
However, it will be an adjustment on the next level, and the offense he lands in will matter. He is best suited for an RPO-heavy offense to maximize his potential. There are also some questions surrounding his football I.Q. and leadership, but a lot of that could also be due to the fact that he wasn't on a great team and had to play hero ball a lot. Even in doing so, he was able to keep the mistakes to a minimum.
No one should be shocked if he becomes a superstar in the NFL, nevertheless, he may come out the gates a bit slower than people expect. Chicago should be a good situation for him though.
3. Drake Maye, UNC
Maye may have the most upside in this class but also has bust potential as well. He will need to land with a team that has the ability to develop a young quarterback. That could be the difference between him being a star or a bust.
His measurables and arm talent are off the charts. If you went and watched all these quarterbacks listed throw at a combine, this would be your top pick. Unfortunately, if you just watched his film you'd probably take him fifth. Nevertheless, if the right team drafts and develops him, he could become a top quarterback in this league.
4. Michael Penix Jr., Washington
Penix is a guy who is going to have to be protected in the pocket. The good news is he has an outstanding pocket presence and was sacked just 31 times in over 1,700 dropbacks in college. His footwork and quick release are a massive asset for him.
On the other hand, he's already torn his right ACL twice and doesn't throw well on the move. He will need to be in a timing offense that gets the ball out quickly similar to what the Dolphins do with Tua Tagovailoa. His wide receivers also did a lot of work for him in college and we don't know if he'll have that at his disposal at the next level. We like him but he's a step down from the top three guys.
5. J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
McCarthy has been flying up draft boards and is now rumored to go as high as second overall. This would be a massive mistake. This is a Day 2 caliber quarterback. His lack of natural physical talent will be tough to overcome on the next level.
When you watch his film, he doesn't get through his progressions quickly and often locks on one target. Combine that with mediocre arm strength and you have a big issue. You don't need a cannon of an arm to succeed in the NFL, however, he also doesn't do the things you need otherwise to overcome it.
It's easy to fall in love with his toughness and ability to improvise. Also, he is very experienced in a pro-style offense. Still, he does not have first-round talent.
