The 2024 NFL quarterback draft class is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With a number of talented young quarterbacks set to make the leap to the professional level, the NFL Scouting Combine will offer them yet another opportunity to showcase their skills and impress league scouts, coaches, and general managers.
One of the top prospects in this year’s draft is Caleb Williams, a former USC star and Heisman Trophy winner. Widely expected to be the first overall pick, Williams has already drawn comparisons to three-time Super Bowl winner and two-time MVP Patrick Mahomes. While the Chicago Bears currently hold the top pick, they may choose to trade it, and Williams could end up playing for a number of other teams.
Another promising quarterback in the 2024 draft class is Drake Maye. Standing at 6ft 4in and 230lbs, Maye played for North Carolina and has a reputation for accuracy even when facing pressure from pass rushers. He can throw with pinpoint precision to any area of the field and adapt quickly to changing defensive formations.
While he may not be as mobile as Williams, he is a capable runner with the ball and could prove to be a valuable asset on the field. There should be extra excitement surrounding Maye as sports betting apps in North Carolina are likely to rake in plenty of wagers on the young QB.
The state will legalize sports betting ahead of the NCAA Tournament next month, so residents will be able to bet on their favorite draft prospects by the time the NFL’s selection process rolls around.
“Maye is the definition of a prototype,” NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah wrote about the Tar Heels star in 2023. “He has everything you would want in a franchise quarterback. He’s big, athletic and instinctive. He can deliver the ball accurately to all three levels of the field and he has the feel/touch to change trajectory and velocity depending on what each throw requires. He has an innate feel to sense pressure, drift away from it, and get the ball where it needs to go.
“When needed, he can really drive and power the ball into small windows.”
Jayden Daniels is another standout quarterback set to enter the NFL in 2024. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Daniels is known for his explosive arm and ability to make big plays. He is also a skilled scrambler and one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the draft class. With a highlight reel that is sure to impress, Daniels is a highly sought-after prospect.
J.J. McCarthy is the youngest quarterback mentioned here, but he has already proven himself as someone who can help a team win silverware. As a member of the Michigan Wolverines, he helped his team win the national championship in the most recent college season. While he was not required to throw the ball much in his team’s run-heavy offense, scouts believe he has the potential to be as good as Joe Burrow once he gets the chance to play in a pass-first offense.
Finally, Michael Penix Jr. is a talented quarterback with a strong arm and excellent accuracy from the pocket. He excels at completing intermediate and deep passes, which are crucial for moving the chains in the NFL. With his long arms and big hands, he can throw the ball with ease, hitting receivers on the move with precision. While he may not be the flashiest quarterback in the draft class, Penix Jr. has the potential to be a reliable and consistent performer at the professional level.
Overall, the 2024 quarterback draft class is stacked with talent, and the NFL Scouting Combine will provide a platform for these young players to showcase their skills and make a case for themselves as top picks in the draft. Whether it’s Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, J.J. McCarthy, or Michael Penix Jr., there’s no shortage of exciting prospects to watch in the coming years.
It remains to be seen which of these quarterbacks will have the most success at the next level. But one thing is for sure: the 2024 NFL quarterback draft class is loaded with talent, and there are sure to be some exciting games and performances in the years to come.
