The 2024 NFL Draft's quarterback class has been a very good class thus far. Six passers went in the first 12 picks in a historical start to the draft. Some of them have struggled to simply stay on the field, while others were just one game from the Super Bowl as a rookie.
At this point, as their second seasons wind down, it's clear who the top-3 passers are from this class. Three of them feel poised to lead their teams to the postseason as well, and all in all, most teams that made a first-round QB selection are surely satisfied with who they took.
Let's power rank the second-year QB class following Week 14 action.
NFL Power Rankings: Clear top-3 QBs in second-year signal-caller rankings
6. JJ McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings
JJ McCarthy had his best game as a pro in the Minnesota Vikings' Week 14 win over the Washington Commanders, but we still have largely gotten awful play from the second-year QB. He missed his entire rookie season with a knee injury, so he's been behind in that regard.
And it's simply not s guarantee that he's the starter come Week 1 of the 2026 season. There is still a lot to not like with McCarthy, but if he can begin to put some things together down the stretch, the Vikings could at least have an argument to stick with him for 2026.
5. Michael Penix Jr, Atlanta Falcons
Michael Penix Jr is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, but at least he threw more touchdowns than interceptions this year. There could be a lot of change hitting the Atlanta Falcons this coming offseason, and Penix might be in for a 'do or die' type of season in year three. He was fine this year before getting hurt.
Perhaps with the right coaching staff, Penix could blossom?
4. Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders
Jayden Daniels has been in and out of the lineup this year with injuries, and it's just a massive regression from an outstanding season in 2024. The Washington Commanders were within one game of the Super Bowl and had a 12-5 record. They are now 3-10 on the season, and it's hard to believe how much this team has regressed.
Daniels is a thinly-built QB and is likely more vulnerable to getting hurt because of that. This year has been a wash, but he was playing somewhat well when on the field.
3. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears
Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears are 9-4 and have taken a massive step in the right direction. Williams' completion percentage has fallen, but he's taken fewer sacks and is averaging more yards per game, so there is a bit of progress.
The record also does not lie, and it's important to remember that Williams is in his first year in this Ben Johnson offense, so there is reason to believe that 2026 and beyond could be amazing. For now, Williams is pretty clearly the third-best QB in the 2024 QB class right now.
2. Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
Bo Nix and the 11-2 Denver Broncos are the top seed in the AFC and riding high. Nix has been great this year, but in terms of raw passing, he's regressed just a hair. However, the second-year QB has turned into the most clutch QB in the NFL, and he's really begun to stack together some great performances.
Nix can do a little bit of everything, and that's a huge reason why he's such a threat.
1. Drake Maye, New England Patriots
Drake Maye could receive a ton of MVP votes and even win the award this year. The second-year breakout is upon us, and Maye honestly has elements of Josh Allen and Justin Herbert to his game. The Patriots are 11-2 and running away with the AFC East title.
And if Maye is this good in year two, he could hit a new level in 2026 and perhaps cement himself as the best QB in the NFL. Maye is first in our power rankings.