2024 NFL Draft: NFL.com shakes up quarterback rankings as draft nears
Face it. Quarterbacks always swipe the spotlight and that’s especially true in next week’s NFL Draft. There’s still an argument about how many QBs will be selected and nuance in the order they hear their names.
Here’s what we do know. Caleb Williams, the 2022 Heisman winner and former USC star, should be the top pick, going to the Bears. In fact, Chicago has only targeted Williams after trading Justin Fields to the Steelers last month.
Bucky Brooks, a draft analyst for NFL.com, gave his best guess for the top five quarterbacks. He didn’t assign team projections. But we know which teams want quarterbacks early — the Bears, Commanders and Patriots. And, we know which teams might be willing to trade up — the Vikings, Broncos or Raiders. In addition, the Rams and Seahawks may use the first round to grab a QB for the future. So let’s get down to the details.
1. Caleb Williams, USC
The Bears own the top pick of the NFL Draft thanks to their trade last year with the Panthers. They’ve telegraphed their interest in Williams for weeks. Now, the main question is whether Chicago will use the ninth pick on a receiver like Washington’s Rome Odunze.
Brooks wrote, “Williams is the crown jewel of the class as an athletic gunslinger with elite playmaking skills. Although his 2023 season was somewhat of a letdown after the high of his 2022 Heisman run, the USC standout has All-Pro-caliber talent.”
2. Jayden Daniels, LSU
In a year’s worth of the NFL Draft process, Daniels has evolved from a mid-rounder into possibly the second overall pick. The Commanders have entertained several top quarterback prospects, but word out of Washington suggests they’ll pick Daniels.
Brooks noted that “Daniels’ slender frame might give some teams pause.” But he said that teams “will be smitten with his dynamic playmaking potential. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner dazzles on the perimeter as a dual-threat quarterback with elite talents as a runner and passer.”
3. Drake Maye, North Carolina
Before the NFL Draft scouting process started, most mocks projected Maye as the second overall selection behind Williams. Daniels, since then, has eased ahead. But Maye still has the skills and the build that NFL teams still love. Best bet is he’s heading to the Patriots at No. 3.
Brooks acknowledged that Maye’s final college season was “disappointing.” He added that Maye still “commands plenty of attention in scouting circles due to his prototypical dimensions and exceptional arm talent. As an athletic dropback passer with natural playmaking skills, the 6-foot-4 3/8, 223-pounder possesses the raw attributes most NFL coordinators covet at the position.”
4. Michael Penix Jr., Washington
What’s this? Michael Penix Jr. slips into the fourth spot? That’s a change from other rankings that suggested the former Washington Husky might not even be a first rounder. That’s because teams had concerns about the knee and shoulder injuries he suffered at Indiana. The true NFL Draft action could start with the fourth quarterback as teams study whether to trade up to get him.
Brooks believes that Penix “is the most natural deep-ball thrower in the draft.” He’s someone who “routinely (drops) dimes to receivers on vertical routes. While an extensive injury history will make some evaluators nervous, the Washington star’s big-play potential could entice teams employing a “bombs away” attack to take a chance on the veteran passer.”
5. J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
McCarthy, who led the Wolverines to the NCAA title, seems a likely first-round draft pick. But the question is whether teams will move up to get him or try to see if he lasts until the middle of the first round. He could be an option for the Vikings, Broncos or Raiders.
“McCarthy is climbing the charts as a winning quarterback (SEE: 27-1 record as a starter at Michigan) with intriguing traits,” Brooks said. “Though there is understandable concern about J.J.’s limited reps as a pure pocket passer for the run-first Wolverines, scouts rave about his athleticism, arm talent and intangibles.”
In this grouping of five, former Oregon star Bo Nix is the odd man out. Brooks says to keep an eye on him. There is a ton of buzz that suggests six quarterbacks could go in the first round, which starts April 25. To check out all of Brooks’ rankings, click it here. And, catch up on all of On3’s NFL Draft coverage here.