NFL evaluator suggests top QB prospect could fall in draft

One of the most hyped prospects entering the 2024 NFL Draft might not hear his name called as early as expected.

This year's draft class is rife with "can't-miss" prospects, most notably at the quarterback position. North Carolina's Drake Maye, USC's Caleb Williams and LSU's Jayden Daniels have routinely been mocked to go in the first five picks, with Washington's Michael Penix Jr., Oregon's Bo Nix and Michigan's J.J. McCarthy additionally being slotted as first-round selections.

According to NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein, however, one of these signal-callers could unexpectedly drop down the board.

"I talked to an NFL guy today who thinks that Maye could be the guy who falls in this draft," Zierlein said on the Move the Sticks podcast. "He compared him to [Will] Levis."

Levis found himself in a similar situation to Maye during last year's draft. The Kentucky-product was strongly linked to the Colts — who owned the No. 4 overall pick — in lead-up to draft night, with some analysts even suggesting he could go first or second overall to the Panthers or Texans, respectively. Yet Indianapolis, Carolina and Houston all passed on Levis in favor of other quarterbacks, causing him to fall to the Titans at pick No. 33. 

Like Levis, Maye has been projected to go early in the first round, perhaps even No. 1 overall. The Bears, Commanders and Patriots possess the first three picks in the 2024 NFL Draft and are all expected to select a quarterback. Other teams such as the Vikings and Broncos have reportedly expressed interest in trading up to land a QB as well.

On paper, Maye has the tools required to become a successful franchise quarterback in the NFL. The 6-foot-4, 230 pound quarterback threw for 3,608 yards and 24 touchdowns last season, often showcasing his strong arm and freakish athleticism on "wow" plays.

But like all prospects, Maye isn't perfect. Due to the 21-year-old's decrease in accuracy, inconsistent play and high susceptibility to injury, former NFL scout Daniel Kelly valued him as a late first-round pick.

While Maye could fall in the upcoming draft, Zierlein argued Nix could be a quarterback who rises in the rankings.

"I think Bo Nix is gonna surprise a lot of people who just wrote him off after Auburn, and they don't really pay attention to Pac 12 football," Zierlein said. "Bo Nix had a really good season in all the different metrics you can look for."

Nix led the country in passing touchdowns (45) and completions (364) while also ranking second in passing yards (4,508). The 23-year-old followed up his impressive season with a strong performance in the Senior Bowl, completing 4-of-5 passes for 21 yards and a touchdown.