Mar 13 min read

Top 10 NFL QB Prospects to Watch Out for in 2024

Is your team in need of a quarterback this off-season? Fear not, this year's class has some incredible talent. Broken down below are dozens of hours of tape, reviews from NFL scouts, and intangibles on this class whom we're about to introduce to the NFL in April. In the last couple of seasons, there may have been more than just a couple of QBs putting up video game numbers. On the other hand, there are some potential diamonds in the rough that you may not be familiar with. Let's take a dive into this list of Top 10 NFL QB Prospects and meet the potential NFL stars now.

1. Caleb Williams: USC Trojans

This ranking is the epitome of a "no-brainer." Similar to most QBs who declare for the draft, Caleb has some things he needs to polish up. However, this writer thinks it is a universal agreement that his ceiling is "NFL superstar". Williams draws a plethora of comparisons to three-time Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes because of his ability to make off-platform throws, escape, and/or reset the pocket, not to mention his electric playmaking. Because of what Caleb could turn into, you can't rank any other quarterback higher as of today. Williams won the Heisman trophy in 2022 when he joined forces with Lincoln Riley to help re-vamp USC's football program. Williams logged 52 total TDs (42 passing), 4,537 yards, and only 5 INTs.

Strengths: Arm talent, off-script playmaking, exhibits "clutch gene", athleticism, mobility, accuracy (especially when throwing outside of the hashes)

Question Marks: Essentially operated out of shotgun-only offense, will need to adjust to and learn the under center "pro-style". The offense was mostly a variety of one-read concepts, it will get more intricate in the NFL. 31 fumbles in three seasons have to get cleaned up.

Profile Comparison: Patrick Mahomes

2. J.J. McCarthy: Michigan Wolverines

As far as the media is concerned, this writer is going against the grain here with a bold ranking. The reality is, that the NFL and their scouts have McCarthy skyrocketing up the boards lately. The top reason for his rising stock is primarily because McCarthy led the Michigan Wolverines to a National Championship this year. Winning matters! Due to Michigan's run-heavy offense, McCarthy's numbers won't "woo" you in comparison to guys like Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix this season. On top of going undefeated in 2023, J.J. logged 2,991 yards, 25 total TDs (22 passing), 4 INTs, and an incredible 72.3 completion percentage. Another point to ponder is McCarthy only attempted 257 passes in the regular season which is 70 fewer attempts than Heisman trophy winner Jayden Daniels and 168 less than Drake Maye. In the NFL, you have to utilize your run game. Throwing the ball 40+ times per game isn't something you want to make your quarterback do on Sundays. McCarthy is coming from a system that will translate perfectly to the NFL and give him that much-needed experience of knowing when to strike and when not to. In his career, he has a total of 59 TDs and 11 INTs. That is an impressive TD-INT ratio that adds to his career record of 27-1 (.964) which happens to be the third-highest winning percentage in college football history. QB record isn't something that should be the determining factor on how good the player is, however, a record like that certainly can't hurt your resume. Check out this film breakdown attached below that showcases his elite decision-making.

Strengths: Arm talent, ball zip, exhibits "clutch gene", takes what the defense gives him, pocket agility is an elite, natural born leader, consistent release point, shows exceptional ability to read defenses with flood concepts on the boundary.

Question Marks: Ball placement, needs to add touch to deep-intermediate throws at times, has an issue hitting the right boundary on occasion which may be a quick mechanical fix, frame may worry scouts on whether he can take big hits on Sundays.

Profile Comparison: Less polished Joe Burrow

3. Jayden Daniels: LSU Tigers

Jayden Daniels had a polarizing season in 2023 with the LSU Tigers. He helped lead his team to a 9-3 season and earned the Heisman Trophy by putting up 412 total yards per game, 50 total TDs, and an eye-popping 1,134 rushing yards. We haven't seen numbers like these in a long time. Daniels can do it all, but he's certainly most known for his electrifying playmaking. He's listed as 6-foot-4-inches and 210 pounds, so he checks the size box with ease. Daniels' highlight reel isn't just big runs, he and Malik Nabers were quite the dynamic duo when it came to the back shoulder fade. Some argued Michael Penix should have won the Heisman this year due to the lack of big wins (in a team sport) from Daniels and the Tigers. However, Daniels held his own against the 4 ranked teams they played this season. In those 4 games against Florida State, Alabama, Ole Miss and Missouri Daniels put up: 1,694 total yards (456 yards rushing), 13 total TDs, 2 INTs, a 91.8 QBR (!!), and a completion percentage of around 66%.

Strengths: Potential 4.5 speed as a QB, big frame will bode well in the league, athleticism, fluid decision making, smooth footwork.

Question Marks: Inconsistent in getting through progressions at times, throwing motion needs some refining, lower body motion has minor issues that could lead to some of the inaccurate throws.

Profile Comparison: Justin Fields

4. Drake Maye: North Carolina Tarheels

5. Bo Nix: Oregon Ducks

6. Michael Penix Jr: Washington Huskies

7. Jordan Travis: Florida State Seminoles

8. Devin lEARY: Kentucky Wildcats

9. Joe Milton: Tennessee Volunteers

10. Michael Pratt: Tulane Green Wave

Dawg Wrap Up! (Top 10 NFL QB Prospects )

All of these quarterbacks listed above have what it takes to be successful in the National Football League. In addition to that, it's no secret that some talent gets taken for granted and slips further than they should in the draft. Guys like Tom Brady, who was a 6th round pick that ultimately went on to win 7 Super Bowls. There is no doubt teams will be looking for that Brock Purdy type of player who slips through the cracks again. Who might that be? Here are some of my honorable mentions that may apply to this question: Spencer Rattler, Sam Hartman, Kurtis Rourke, Austin Reed, and Taulia Tagovailoa.