1. Caleb williams, USC

22
6’1″, 225lbs

Williams started his college career at Oklahoma, and played one season there. Once his head coach moved onto USC, Caleb Williams then transferred and won the Heisman trophy that year. His final year at USC was disappointing in terms of statistical numbers, lost 5 of 6 games down the stretch to miss out on the playoffs.

Strengths
– Can make any throw on the football field thanks to his incredible arm strength.
– Is able to extend plays outside the pocket, keeping his eyes downfield to challenge the defense.
– Extremely instinctual player, has a sixth sense when feeling pressure in the pocket.
– Demonstrated phenomenal balance and mobility escaping would-be tacklers.
– Very deceptive in space, has that sneaky speed that wouldn’t show up on a 40 yard dash.
– Great touch on the deep ball.
– Fast release and throwing motion helps get the ball into tight windows.

Weaknesses
– Footwork is very unorthodox.
– Some off the field maturity concerns.
– Habit of holding onto the ball for too long.
– Must work on his timing and being comfortable within the pocket, the NFL is a lot quicker.
– Super talented prospect that may struggle adapting to pace of play in his first year in the NFL.

It is almost a done deal that Caleb Williams is going first overall to the Chicago Bears. A few months ago, there was speculation that name may be Drake Maye, however, with a strong pro day, and the acquisition of star talent by the Bears at the wide receiver position, April 25 is just a formality to make Caleb Williams the #1 overall pick.

2. Jayden Daniels, LSU

23
6’4″, 210lbs

Jayden Daniels’ first 3 years of college were at ASU, for his final 2 years of college he transferred to LSU and really shined as a star. The true dual threat quarterback had a pair of strong seasons in Louisiana, and won the Heisman award in the 2023-2024 season.

Strengths
– Has the ability to gauge deep ball throws, can throw it on a rope or put some air under it.
– Closest thing to Lamar Jackon’s running ability coming out of college, super dangerous in space, has the speed to take everything the distance.
– Seems poised in the pocket.
– Isn’t afraid of contact downfield.
– Throws the back shoulder fade with tremendous accuracy and touch.
– Escapes pressure within the pocket with ease.

Weaknesses
– Bad habit of staring down primary read.
– Is going to need to get the ball out of his hands quicker.
– Very skinny frame, could lead to some durability concerns.
– Tendency to lose sight downfield when he feels the pocket collapsing.

Jayden Daniels should be either the second or third quarterback off the board this year. Look for him at potential landing spots such as the Commanders (2), Patriots (3), or Giants (6).

3. JJ McCarthy, Michigan

21
6’2″1/2, 219lbs

A dynamic playmaker, JJ McCarthy played 3 seasons at Michigan. After coming up short of the National Championship game in 2022, McCarthy help lead his team to victory this past year in 2023.

Strengths
– Great feel for the pocket collapsing and has good feet to extend plays.
– Isn’t afraid to lower his shoulder against defensive backs.
– Ability to throw across his body.
– Throw on the run is smooth and looks natural.
– Shows toughness by standing in the pocket and delivering tight passes with pressure in his face.
– Competitor and plays like he’s got something to prove.

Weaknesses
– Doesn’t have the elite arm strength compared to others in this class.
– Isn’t a standout in any quarterback category.
– A slow release that requires a big windup.
– Looks a little uneasy in the pocket with so much time.
– Struggles to get through his reads quickly.
– Lacks a strong frame and base.

The rumor of the 2024 NFL Draft is that the Minnesota Vikings are going to trade up to select JJ McCarthy within the top 10 this year. This feels like a good fit, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this rumor became true. Look for McCarthy to go anywhere from the 3 spot, down to pick 12 where the Vikings are currently selecting.

4. Michael Penix JR., Washington

23
6’2″, 216lbs

Penix started his college career at Indiana, and had 4 shortened seasons due to injury (2 ACLs, 2 shoulder injuries). Once he transferred to Washington, he exploded on the scene as he ranked second in the FBS with 4,641 passing yards. In his final year at Washington he led the FBS in passing yards, won the Maxwell award and was a Heisman finalist.

Strengths
– Left-handed quarterback that throws a precise deep ball.
– Does a great job of moving in the pocket and setting his feet.
– Throws the back shoulder fade the best out of anyone in this class.
– Has great touch on the ball, always giving his receiver an opportunity on the 50/50 ball.
– Great feel for pressure in the pocket.
– Crazy arm strength that looks like a flick of the wrist.

Weaknesses
– Lengthy injury list, including 2 ACL tears and an AC joint tear in his throwing arm.
– Relies heavily on receiver to win the jump ball.
– Consistency drops dramatically once forced to make plays outside the pocket.
– Doesn’t look comfortable with a broken play.


A traditional pocket passer quarterback that could hear his name called late on day 1 if a team likes him. More likely to fall to day 2 and hear his name called before pick 50, Las Vegas (44), and New Orleans (45) seems like a good range for him to go if someone doesn’t trade up to start day 2.

5. Drake Maye, UNC

21
6’4″, 230lbs

The 3 year man out of UNC had a promising 2022 season where he looked to be the favourite as the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, a subpar 2023 season pushed him further down the list.

Strengths
– Has the ideal size and build for a traditional pocket passer.
– Is able to set feet quickly to deliver downfield strikes.
– Makes the defense pay by stepping through the pocket.
– Great accuracy on specifically vertical routes.
– Can zip the ball into tight windows.

Weaknesses
– Seems panicked when the pocket breaks down around him, or when first read isn’t open.
– Can let the ball sail on him in the intermediate game.
– Not a very fast release, takes a lot of time to get the ball past his shoulder.
– Slow runner in the wide open field.
– Really struggled against pressure looks.

Maye is an interesting prospect that doesn’t have a definitive landing spot. Some scouts have him as early as the Commanders at 2, whereas other analysts are suggesting that the team who drafts Maye will pay the price. He should have his name called within the top 5, my assessment puts him at 3 to the Patriots if they don’t trade out.

6. Bo Nix, Oregon

24
6’2″, 214lbslbs

The 5 year starter began his career off at Auburn where he was SEC Freshman of the year. He played another 2 seasons at Auburn before transferring to Oregon in 2022. In his final year of college, he won the PAC-12 Offensive player of the year with a passing efficiency rating of 188.3.

Strengths
– Might be the most experienced quarterback coming out of college ever.
– Does damage to defenses when moving outside the pocket.
– Can put some mustard on the ball to get it into tight windows.
– Good ability to get through his progressions.
– Shows quick feet to get out of pressure.
– Throwing motion looks smooth and natural while on the run.

Weaknesses
– Coming into the NFL at the age of 24, plays as a weakness and a strength.
– Has a tendency to flatten out his deep balls.
– Needs to work on throwing the ball to the open space away from defenders closing in.
– Could look to clean up his throwing mechanics, a lot of his throws are off his back foot.

Nix is an interesting prospect as he comes into the league with an immense amount of experience. He should be a day 2 guy, and could land on a team that has a current quarterback under contract. Teams to look out for are; the Raiders (44), the Saints (45), and the Rams (52).