The 2024 quarterback class might impact 2023 draft strategies

"So many scouts are already enamored with those two prospects, 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 recently wrote. 

Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner, would likely be the top pick in next April's class assuming a declaration for the NFL this winter. In his first season at USC, Williams threw for 4,537 yards and a 42/5 TD/INT ratio while completing 66.6 percent of his passes.

The early contender for Williams' would-be throne is UNC's Maye, who led the Tar Heels to a 9-5 record as a redshirt freshman while throwing for 4,321 yards with a 38/7 TD/INT ratio. He has the size (6-foot-4, 220-pounds), arm strength and pocket awareness pro teams will covet. 

Miller's colleague Jordan Reid notes that several teams which would theoretically been quarterback-needy in April's draft have acquired journeymen quarterbacks this offseason, which could hint toward their draft strategy for 2024.

Among the lesser-tiered signal-callers who have recently found homes, Atlanta signed former Commanders starter Taylor Heinicke (though likely as a bridge for Desmond Ridder), Washington replaced him with Jacoby Brissett and the Buccaneers signed former No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield to a one-year deal.

All three teams have young signal-callers on their rosters, but none were highly-touted draft picks outside of the aforementioned Ridder in Atlanta, to some degree. 

The Las Vegas Raiders are a team that could fall into the same category. The signing of Jimmy Garoppolo signals that they are at least outwardly trying to compete in 2023. However, the decision to trade TE Darren Waller to the Giants hedges that bet somewhat. 

It's easy to understand why teams could already be preparing to tank for Williams and Maye given what they have already accomplished in a short time on the collegiate stage.