An early look at the top QB prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft
Though the 2023 quarterback class is much deeper, the class of 2024 features perhaps two of top franchise-changing QB prospects in recent memory in reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams and ACC Player of the Year Drake Maye.
ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller believes many middle-of-the-road teams who miss out on the top four QBs this year (Minnesota, Tampa Bay, Tennessee, Washington) may decide to go all-in on next year’s group of signal callers rather than trying to land one in 2023.
“So many scouts are already enamored with [Williams and Maye], and I do think there's some truth to the idea that some teams are looking at where they are drafting in 2023, then looking at the caliber of QBs available next April and ultimately opting to wait until 2024,” Miller said. “If you're on the outside looking in, it's almost better to wait for the 2024 class than go broke trying to land one of the four guys this year, based on the cost to get into position to do so."
Here's an early look at the top QB prospects in the 2024 draft.
Caleb Williams, USC
Considered a generational talent in the eyes of some scouts, Williams has been labeled the best quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck in 2012. Just the sixth sophomore to ever win a Heisman Trophy, Williams was named a unanimous First Team All-American in 2022.
The 6-foot-1 junior threw for 4,537 yards, 42 touchdowns and five interceptions while rushing for 382 yards and another 10 scores. He set USC single-season records for total offense, most passing yards and most touchdowns scored. His confidence, anticipation, throwing mechanics and dual-threat ability are just some of the reasons scouts love Williams as the No. 1 overall pick in 2024.
Drake Maye, North Carolina
While Williams has been compared to Luck, scouts have referred to Maye as the next Justin Herbert. A 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, Maye has the prototypical size of a starting NFL QB, but he’s also a deceptive runner, totaling 698 yards and seven touchdowns in 2022 — sixth-best among passers.
Maye not only has a strong arm and throws with high velocity, but his touch is quite refined and he can throw just as well from the pocket as he can on the run. He passed for 4,321 yards, 38 touchdowns and just seven interceptions last season.
Bo Nix, Oregon
Viewed as more of a Day 2 selection, Nix really came into his own during the final six games of last year and he could help his draft stock with a big 2023 season. He passed for 3,593 yards, 29 touchdowns and seven interceptions with the third-best completion percentage (71.9) in the NCAA.
Quinn Ewers, Texas
Ewers passed for 2,177 yards, 15 touchdowns and six interceptions in 10 starts. He has a quick release and throws with good accuracy and touch, particularly on seam or post throws. He’s athletic enough to escape the pocket when needed and throw on the run.
J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
McCarthy usurped Michigan’s starting job from Cade McNamara, passing for 2,719 yards, 22 touchdowns and just five interceptions in 2022. He has an NFL arm and can make all the tight-window passes scouts looks for. Underrated athletically, McCarthy can pick up yards with his legs just as easily as he can with his arm.
Best of the rest:
Jayden Daniels, LSU
Sam Hartman, Notre Dame
Michael Penix Jr., Washington
Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
Jordan Travis, Florida State
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