The quarterback class for the 2024 NFL Draft looks promising which is good news for teams are in the market for a future signal caller
Today is a sad day for NFL Draft fans as the 2023 NFL Draft is now in the books. We saw some winners and losers, with one of the biggest winners being the Philadelphia Eagles. Another big winner was Anthony Richardson, who heard his name called earlier than most mocks expected. We’ll have to wait and see how these players pan out over the course of three years when we’ll see the true “winners and losers.” But as any draft fanatic knows, it’s time to look into the future. Teams are all about finding the next great signal caller, and it appears the 2024 NFL Draft has a better quarterback class than this year’s draft.
At first glance, it may seem like a lot, but there are three guys who are near locks. And we know that teams are thirsty for talent. It doesn’t hurt that there are a few teams in play for a future quarterback. The Miami Dolphins have Tua Tagovailoa for another year, but his health is always in question. There’s also the New York Jets, who have Aaron Rodgers for two or three seasons. If they opt to move on from Zach Wilson as a project, they’ll be in the market for a quarterback.
Matt Stafford is on his last legs due to his bad back, and with the franchise in rebuild mode, the Los Angeles Rams are also in play. The Minnesota Vikings are likely moving on from Kirk Cousins after next season. For reasons unknown, the Washington Commanders have yet to find a guy who can take them into the future. Desmond Ridder will have all the chance in the world to find success with the Atlanta Falcons, but he’s on a one-year leash. The Tom Brady era is over so the Buc will need a quarterback. Let’s meet the prospect fans should look out for.
7 quarterback prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft to know
7. Spencer Rattler, South Carolina
Yes, you’re seeing Spencer Rattler’s name again on draft prospect lists, but this is the year he can make things happen. Rattler’s composite stats from 2022 may be misleading, but he ended the season strong with 1,389 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and just three interceptions across the final five games. With a full year of stellar play in 2023, Rattler could secure a top spot in the 2024 NFL Draft thanks to his arm elasticity and a gunslinger mentality.
Rattler is a natural athlete who plays with balance and light feet in the pocket. He has excellent overall arm strength and is skilled as a pocket passer with a nice feel for pressure. He can make throws most college-level quarterbacks wouldn’t even attempt, and his ball placement is a strength. Rattler has the natural instincts to make plays when forced to improvise and is generally accurate on intermediate and short throws.
While Rattler has occasional misfires, he has impressive moments of strong accuracy and ball placement to all levels of the field. He features quite the fastball but knows when to take something off his throws and use off-speed pitches. He does well to hit rhythm throws when executing quick game and is a talented thrower on the move.
However, Rattler’s field vision and decision-making are highly erratic. He sometimes chases big plays down the field and puts the ball in harm’s way while ignoring obvious profits. When pressured, Rattler lacks poise and gets antsy, resulting in questionable decisions. He’s not a skilled runner and lacks awareness of his own physical restrictions in terms of size and speed. He’s a major pocket drifter and appears adverse to stepping up. After joining Oklahoma with plenty of hype, Rattler couldn’t keep hold of the starting job due to erratic play and concerns over his leadership.
If he can improve his decision-making and show more consistency in his play, there’s no doubt he could secure a top spot in the 2024 NFL Draft. So keep an eye on Rattler this season as he works to elevate his game to the next level.
6. Michael Penix Jr. Washington
If you’re looking for the next big quarterback in the NFL, Michael Penix Jr. could be your man. While he may not have had a standout season in 2021, Penix Jr. showed his true potential at Washington in 2022. With a quick release and an NFL arm, Penix Jr. can make tight-window throws with ease. He’s also a threat as a runner, making him a versatile quarterback that could be a valuable addition to any team.
One of the biggest strengths of Penix Jr. is his ability to process coverage and get the ball to his weapons at all levels of the field. Whether he’s throwing a quick pass on the move or delivering a deep ball down the field, Penix Jr. has flashes of accuracy and ball placement that are highly impressive. He’s also able to adjust his arm angles and move off his spot, making him a dynamic quarterback that can make plays happen.
However, there are some concerns with Penix Jr.’s game that could hold him back at the next level. His injury history is the biggest red flag, as he’s suffered numerous season-ending ailments throughout his career. Additionally, Penix Jr. can be inconsistent with his sequencing and footwork, causing him to fade away from throws and sacrifice accuracy.
Despite these weaknesses, Penix Jr. has the potential to be a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. His competitive toughness and physical talent make him an exciting prospect, and his experience as a sixth-year senior could give him an edge over younger quarterbacks. If he can stay healthy and continue to develop his game, Penix Jr. could be a game-changing quarterback at the next level.
5. Quinn Ewers, Texas
One name that will generate a lot of buzz is Quinn Ewers, the Texas quarterback with a rocket arm and a five-star pedigree.
Last season, Ewers threw for over 2,000 yards and 15 touchdowns, showing off his ability to make plays with his arm and his legs. But it’s his arm strength that has really caught the attention of scouts and NFL experts. In fact, some are saying that Ewers may have the strongest arm in the entire draft class.
However, Ewers still has some work to do if he wants to cement his status as a first-round prospect. His accuracy needs improvement, as does his decision-making and pre-snap recognition skills. But with his athleticism and ability to create plays out of structure, there’s no doubt that Ewers has the NFL skillset.
One concern for Ewers is the looming presence of Arch Manning, another five-star quarterback prospect who is set to join the Longhorns next year. Ewers will need to hold off Manning and continue to improve his game if he wants to stay at the top of the NFL draft boards.
But for now, let’s focus on what makes Ewers such an exciting prospect. His arm strength is truly special, and he can make all the throws at the NFL level. He’s a confident player who isn’t afraid to take risks and create big plays. And even though he’s not the fastest quarterback out there, he’s still a threat to make plays with his legs and in the read-option game.
Of course, there are some concerns as well. Ewers needs to work on his touch and accuracy, and he’ll need to show that he can handle the more complex offenses of the NFL. But with his physical tools and five-star pedigree, there’s no doubt that Ewers is a prospect worth keeping an eye on.
4. J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
While some names are already well-known, others may be flying under the radar, including J.J. McCarthy, the QB from Michigan. For starters, he’s playing in an offense with pro-style concepts under Jim Harbaugh.
In his first full season as Michigan’s starter, McCarthy showed promise, throwing for over 2,700 yards, 22 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. At 6’3″ and 196 pounds, he still has room to grow and improve in the weight room. However, he is already an elite athlete with a live arm and special creation potential.
McCarthy’s high school career at IMG Academy earned him a 4-star rating from both ESPN and 247 Sports. In his freshman year at Michigan, he saw action in 11 games, throwing for over 500 yards and five touchdowns, while also rushing for over 150 yards. As a sophomore in 2022, he played in 13 games and threw for almost 2,400 yards and 19 touchdowns.
One of McCarthy’s biggest strengths is his arm, which he uses to get the ball from one side of the field to the other in a hurry. He also has the ability to hit tight windows on short and intermediate throws. He is an instinctive player who can make plays when forced to improvise, and he has the speed to pick up yardage in scramble situations.
However, McCarthy does have some weaknesses that he will need to address in order to succeed at the next level. He has a tendency to fade and throw off his back foot when the pocket gets muddled, which can lead to a drop in accuracy. His mechanics are also inconsistent, which can lead to sporadic accuracy. Finally, he tends to hold the ball loosely and away from his body, putting him at risk for strip sacks.
Despite these weaknesses, McCarthy is a QB who deserves to be on the radar for the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. With more time to develop and refine his skills, he has the potential to become a top-tier quarterback in the league. Fans and experts should keep an eye on him as the draft approaches.
3. KJ Jefferson, Arkansas
One of KJ Jefferson’s biggest strengths is his size, standing at 6’3″ and 245 pounds. He is a tenacious runner who can shake off tacklers, and his ability to extend plays is something that NFL teams covet in a quarterback. He also has a live arm, with good zip and ball placement on quick slants and intermediate routes. He has the arm strength to make tight throws into small windows, and he spreads the ball around to multiple receivers.
Jefferson’s athleticism is also a plus, as he can be used effectively in the read-option game. He has a quick release and a strong arm, making him a dangerous threat both in the air and on the ground. He can throw accurately on the move, and he is not afraid to hang in the pocket and take big hits.
While Jefferson is not perfect, with some inconsistent mechanics and streaky ball placement, his strengths far outweigh his weaknesses. With some improvement in his touch and decision-making, he has the potential to be a top quarterback prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft.
If you look at this guy, he compares to Ben Roethlisberger, another big, physical quarterback. While Jefferson may not have the same level of electric play as someone like Anthony Richardson, he has the size, arm strength, and athleticism to make a name for himself at the next level.
Jefferson is a quarterback to keep an eye on as the 2022 college football season approaches. He has the potential to improve upon his impressive numbers from last season and cement himself as a top prospect for the 2024 NFL Draft. His size, arm strength, and athleticism make him a valuable asset to any NFL team, and with some refinement to his mechanics, he could be a star in the making.
2. Drake Maye, North Carolina
Draft fans already know that North Carolina’s Drake Maye is widely considered to be the no. 2 signal caller in this year’s draft. May is the NFL prototype at 6-5 and 220 pounds, Maye is the tallest quarterback on the draft board.
He had a breakout season in college, throwing for 4,321 yards and 38 touchdowns with just seven interceptions. He also added 698 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. Maye had six games with at least 300 yards passing and three or more touchdowns, solidifying his status as a top quarterback prospect. But he’s much more than just a physical specimen. Maye’s scouting report reveals that he excels in several key areas that are critical for success at the next level.
Ball placement at short and intermediate levels is a major strength. He has a quick mind, moving through progressions with ease when required. Maye’s confident demeanor and athleticism allow him to make plays out of structure, and he has an excellent touch on deep balls. He also shows great anticipation, fitting tight throws into small windows with impressive velocity.
Maye’s athleticism is another key asset, as he runs well and can be a threat in the read-option game. He has good accuracy overall, particularly on short timing routes where he leads his receivers to potential yardage after the catch. Maye is also adept at seeing the field when plays break down and occasionally changes plays at the line.
Of course, every prospect has their weaknesses, and Maye is no exception. He has a tendency to fade and throw off his back foot when the pocket gets muddled, and he can be too quick to look for a running lane after moving off his first read. Additionally, Maye sometimes sacrifices accuracy when throwing on the move, relying too much on his arm and losing his mechanics in the process.
Maye is a promising prospect who has all the tools to succeed at the next level. His size, athleticism, and accuracy make him a standout candidate for any NFL team in need of a franchise quarterback. While he may not be the no. 1 pick in this year’s draft, he’s certainly in the conversation and will be a player to watch as he embarks on his professional career.
1. Caleb Williams USC
No surprise here. Caleb Williams is a quarterback who is expected to be the No.1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Williams is a franchise quarterback and has drawn comparisons to Patrick Mahomes because of his play-making ability. He had an impressive season in 2022, with 4,537 passing yards, 42 TDs, and five interceptions, along with 382 rushing yards and 10 TDs. Williams is good at reading option plays and can move out of the pocket to create plays.
He has natural instincts to make plays when he is forced to improvise, gets the ball out quickly, and has good short-to-intermediate level accuracy. His ball placement is a strength, and he is generally accurate on intermediate and short throws, demonstrating the ability to lead receivers on deeper throws. Williams has a pure athlete body and has the speed to pick up yardage in scramble situations.
However, Williams has some weaknesses that need to be addressed. He has a slight frame, which is problematic for a dual-threat quarterback. He sails throws to either sideline, and his back-foot throws are not accurate. He sometimes trusts his arm too much, trying to stick passes late in the play or when off-balance. Williams needs to improve his touch at all levels and know when to gun it and when to take something off his throws. His accuracy is solid, but far from great with streaky ball placement downfield as he tries to thread the needle too much.
Williams is mature, and his decision to transfer to USC combined with his ability to handle massive expectations will set him up for success now and throughout his football career.