Who are the five best quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft takes place in Detroit, Michigan, with the first round opening on April 25. Drake Maye, Caleb Williams, and Jayden Daniels lead a star-studded group of quarterbacks.

The quarterback position is widely considered the most critical spot on the football field.

Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson are two premier talents at the position, and both were first-round picks in their respective drafts. However, teams can find starters at any point in the NFL Draft.

Brock Purdy, the 49er’s starting signal-caller, was the final selection of the 2022 NFL Draft, earning him the label of “Mr. Irrelevant.” But two seasons into Purdy’s career, he’s anything but irrelevant. Could there be another top quarterback who comes out of the later rounds?

Five quarterbacks to watch out for in the 2024 NFL draft

As the offseason approaches, several franchises will embark on a journey to find their own Mahomes, Jackson, or even Purdy. Here are five prospects who could make waves coming in the 2024 draft.

1. Drake Maye (North Carolina)

• 2022 ACC Player of the Year
• 2022 First-Team All-ACC
• 2023 Second-Team All-ACC
• Fourth in career passing touchdowns for UNC (63)
• Fifth in career passing yards for UNC (8,018)

Maye projects as a top-five player in the 2024 NFL Draft class. The 6-foot-4, 230-pounder out of North Carolina boasts prototypical size behind center.

Maye is deathly accurate from the pocket and has the arm strength to make all the necessary throws in an NFL system. He’s also incredibly crafty outside of the pocket.

2. Caleb Williams (USC)

• 2022 Heisman Trophy winner
• 2022 Maxwell Award winner
• 2022 AP College Football Player of the Year
• 2022 Unanimous All-American
• Fourth in career passing touchdowns for USC (72)
• Fifth in career passing yards for USC (8,170)

Williams often receives Patrick Mahomes comparisons, given his immense arm talent and remarkable ability outside of structure.

The USC signal-caller is crafty with the ball in his hands and always has his eyes peeled downfield to make a play.

Williams must rein in some of his wilder tendencies, but the upside is undeniable. He will come off the board inside the top five picks at the 2024 NFL Draft.

3. Jayden Daniels (LSU)

• 2023 Heisman Trophy winner
• 2023 Walter Camp Award winner
• 2023 AP College Football Player of the Year
• 2023 Consensus All-American
• 2023 SEC Offensive Player of the Year
• 2023 First-Team All-SEC

The reigning Heisman Trophy winner checks in behind Maye and Williams, but his ceiling is just as high as any in the draft class.

Daniels is tall, flexes an exceptional deep ball, and can terrorize defenses with his legs. He should go inside of the top 10 overall.

4. J.J. McCarthy (Michigan)

• 2023 CFP National Champion
• 2023 Griese-Brees Quarterback of the Year
• 2023 First-Team All-Big Ten
• Fourth in career passing touchdowns for Michigan (49)
• Fifth in career passing yards for Michigan (6,226)

McCarthy matches the previous three names in terms of sheer arm talent. He can reach all levels of the field with ease.

The Michigan star is also a threat to run with his 4.4-second 40-yard dash speed and impressive vision when rolling out of the pocket.

McCarthy is more of a project and could benefit from sitting behind an established veteran for a season or two. Still, he will be a first-round pick by a quarterback-needy team on Day 1.

5. Bo Nix (Oregon)

• Most career starts in NCAA history (61)
• Highest single-season completion percentage in NCAA history (77.45)
• 2023 William V. Campbell Trophy winner
• 2023 Offensive Player of the Year
• 2023 First-Team All-Pac-12

Nix blossomed into a productive passer during his time with the Oregon Ducks. He shows adequate arm strength, solid decision-making, and improved fundamentals within the pocket.

The collegiate product turns 24 before draft day, and his processing ability is a tick slow relative to others in the 2024 NFL Draft.

According to scouts, Nix may sneak into the first round, but he grades out more as a Day 2 selection.