2024 NFL Draft: Quarterback Big Board

The NFL Draft process is underway with draft declarations, all-star game decisions, and the Combine in the rearview mirror. Big boards will be released, and then some. Who are the best quarterbacks in the 2024 draft cycle? These signal-callers are the best of the best in a loaded class. Teams that need a young passer should have a few to select from, even with the recent transfer portal acquisitions. Who will step up and become the stars they are projected to be? How many will go in the first round, and which ones can be late-round gems like Brock Purdy?

Rankings

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1. Caleb Williams | 6’1 214 | Junior | USC

The presumptive first overall selection for a few years has arrived as promised. He won the Heisman two seasons ago but faltered under the expectations that are bestowed upon the winners of such prestige. Once labeled as a generational prospect by some, he has some flaws to work through. Most of these can be blamed on the Trojans’ inability to field competent offensive lines. Williams was sometimes forced to lead the offense by himself and played a lot of hero ball instead of within the system. He has the arm talent to make any throw on or off platform. While he isn’t the greatest athlete, he does get in and out of sticky situations frequently and effortlessly. His play style resembles another Air Raid quarterback and Heisman winner, Kyler Murray. Athletically, he profiles similar to another Lincoln Riley pupil in Jalen Hurts.

2023 Statistics: 266 / 388 (69%) 3,633 yards, 30 touchdowns, and five interceptions; 97 attempts for 142 yards and 11 touchdowns

Player Comparison: Kyler Murray (style) / Jalen Hurts (athletic)

Round Grade: Top Five

Silver Medal

2. Jayden Daniels | 6’4 210 | Senior | LSU

It’s not a true LSU game unless Daniels takes a massive hit that would break other quarterbacks in half. After a standout season on the Bayou, he’s the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and a consensus top-three QB prospect. The athletic traits are intriguing and beguiling for a team willing to take him in the top five as he develops into a better passer. He tangibly improved as a thrower over the past couple of seasons after transferring in from Arizona State. Daniels has a lot of arm talent to make all the throws and is willing to manipulate the pocket to get the pass he wants. Athletically, his profile is similar to that of Lamar Jackson. Stylistically, he resembles Justin Fields.

2023 Statistics: 236 / 327 (72%) 3,812 yards, 40 touchdowns, and four interceptions; 135 attempts for 1,134 yards and ten touchdowns

Player Comparison: Lamar Jackson (athletic) / Justin Fields (play style)

Round Grade: First

Bronze Medal

3. Michael Penix | 6’2 216 | Graduate Senior | Washington

Penix has enjoyed a rise up the boards after a standout super senior season, leading the Huskies to a national championship appearance. He has the arm talent to make any throw, and no one throws a prettier deep ball. He’s not a dynamic athlete due to the extensive leg injuries, but he does move the pocket well enough. The former Indiana transfer thrived for Kalen DeBoer. Teams will review his medical history with a fine toothcomb after two ACL injuries. He also suffered an internal injury against Oregon this season and carried it into the CFP. Penix needs to improve on his short to intermediate accuracy, as it was one of the weaker points in his game. He’s in the first round of conversation but will likely fall into the second round. His play style and athletic profile resemble that of another big-arm passer, Matthew Stafford.

2023 Statistics: 363 / 555 (65%) 4,903 yards, 36 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions; 15 attempts for 35 yards and three touchdowns

Player Comparison: Matthew Stafford (play style / athletic)

Round Grade: First to Second

The “just missed” podium

4. J.J McCarthy | 6’2 219 | Junior | Michigan

McCarthy showed up to the Combine at 219 pounds. He has an above-average arm that wasn’t showcased too much, but he can make all the throws. Athletically, he stands out when he has to make plays off-schedule. He makes his money in the short to intermediate pass game with his high completion rate in the area. If he can get more deep ball reps, a rise up the boards can be foretold. He’s also a real asset as a dual-threat runner. The former Wolverines star compares physically and stylistically to Baker Mayfield.

2023 Statistics: 240 / 332 (72%), 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns and four interceptions; 64 attempts for 202 yards and three touchdowns

Player Comparison: Baker Mayfield (athlete/play style)

Round Grade: First

5. Drake Maye | 6’4 223 | Junior | North Carolina

Maye burst onto the scene in 2022 as a sophomore before regressing a tiny amount as a junior in 2023. As a result, he took over the reins from Sam Howell for the Tar Heels. He has the prototypical size and strength of a big-league pocket passer with a modicum of athleticism. The junior passer has the arm to make all the throws but doesn’t have the amount of reps under his belt due to inexperience. UNC went through a system change while he was in Chapel Hill, which could be part of the issue. There’s a good chance he will be among the top five selections in April. Physically and stylistically, he profiles similar to Trey Lance, who’s had a disappointing start to NFL life.

2023 Statistics: 269 / 425 (64%) 3,608 yards, 24 touchdowns, and nine interceptions; 112 attempts for 449 yards and nine touchdowns

Player Comparison: Trey Lance (athlete/play style)

Round Grade: First

Sixth Sense

6. Bo Nix | 6’2 214 | Senior | Oregon

Nix didn’t have the best Senior Bowl but largely rebounded with a great Combine throwing performance. The challenge for him is to unlock the deep ball portion of his game more consistently, as he missed a few opportunities during the 2023 season. He’s a pretty good athlete for the position and makes things happen in open space. The arm talent is above average, and he can make any throw a team asks of him. However, the mystery of Oregon’s offense will be answered in 2024. The Ducks heavily leaned on the short to intermediate game, with deep passes being seldom. Was that an effect of Nix being that masterful in that part of the field or the scheme dictating it? He set the all-time completion record as a senior. He profiles like Kirk Cousins, who’s set to cash in another massive payday.

2023 Statistics: 364 / 470 (77%), 45 touchdowns and three interceptions; 54 attempts for 234 yards and six touchdowns

Player Comparison: Kirk Cousins (play style)

Round Grade: Second to Third

The Wild Card

7. Spencer Rattler | 6’0 211 | Redshirt Senior | South Carolina

Rattler is another Senior Bowl participant who stood out more than his peers. The former five-star prospect has had a tumultuous career spanning two different programs. He started at Oklahoma, where Caleb Williams usurped him before Rattler transferred to South Carolina. 2022 was a much better season for the former top recruit than 2023. He wasn’t at his best this past season due to offensive line issues. The former Gamecock passer isn’t the most physically imposing prospect, as he comes in at just 6 foot tall. Regardless, there’s enough arm talent and mental intangibles for a team to mold into an eventual starter. He sits in the pocket and takes shots all day to make the throw, which accounts for his toughness. Rattler also usually throws receivers open, allowing receivers to build a rhythm in their routes. He compares to former WKU signal caller Bailey Zappe.

2023 Statistics: 275 / 399 (69%) 3,186 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions; 97 attempts for 104 yards and four touchdowns

Player Comparison: Bailey Zappe (athlete/play style)

Round Grade: Fourth to Fifth

Late Day 3 Diamonds

8. Michael Pratt | 6’2 217 | Senior | Tulane

Pratt participated in the Senior Bowl. He burst onto the scene as a junior, leading the Green Wave to a Cotton Bowl victory. His senior season was a letdown in some regard. Prospect-wise, he has a slightly above-average arm that can make most of the throws. He’s a solid athlete compared to Brett Rypien. Stylistically, he resembles former Texas passer Sam Ehlinger. The football IQ and pocket manipulation are where he stands out more than his physical attributes. With some work on arm strength, he could be a career backup that starts a handful of games.

2023 Statistics: 185 / 283 (65%) 2,406 yards, 22 touchdowns, and five interceptions; 98 attempts for 286 yards and five touchdowns

Player Comparison: Sam Ehlinger (play style)

Round Grade: Sixth to Seventh

9. Jordan Travis | 6’1 200 | Senior | Florida State

JT authored one of the most inspirational stories in FSU annals. He transferred to the Seminoles three seasons ago. Travis led the resurgent program to its best-ever finish since the decade before last season. The medical file is extensive as he’s picked up minor injuries before suffering a broken ankle in 2023. Fortunately, it’s been reported that he’s on track to be cleared by April. He doesn’t have the strongest arm but has enough zip in the short to intermediate areas. An electric athlete who terrifies opposing defenses. He steadily improved as a passer from freshman to senior seasons, which is a great omen. Touch passing is his forte. Travis’ profile compares to that of Trace McSorley.

2023 Statistics: 207 / 324 (64%), 20 touchdowns and two interceptions; 73 attempts for 176 yards and seven touchdowns

Player Comparison: Trace McSorley

Round Grade: Seventh

Day 3 to UDFA

10. Carter Bradley | 6’2 221 | Senior | South Alabama

Bradley wasn’t invited to the Combine after a standout Senior Bowl performance on his home turf. It could be argued that he was the most polished passer in Mobile. The son of longtime NFL assistant Gus transferred to South Alabama. He has an average arm that can make most of the throws required of a big-league thrower. As expected, his football IQ is quite good. However, since the arm talent is average, he throws it early to get his receivers time to adjust. Defenses will have a field day against that kind of pass. Stylistically and athletically, he compares to Will Grier.

2023 Statistics: 221 / 326 (68%), 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions

Player Comparison: Will Grier

Round Grade: Seventh to UDFA