The first two days of the 2024 NFL Free Agency period have seen twists and turns few could have expected. Running Backs finally got what they deserved, including Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs, while quarterbacks like Kirk Cousins are now on the move.
These Free-agent moves, including the Washington Commanders signing journeyman Marcus Mariota, offer hints on where certain teams may go in next month’s NFL Draft. Six quarterbacks may fly off the board early on the night of April 25th. It’s time to meet them and follow the recent discussions surrounding them.
QB1: Caleb Williams, USC
While Caleb Williams is fielding some criticisms for how he has handled the draft process to this point, the USC star and former Heisman Trophy Winner should still be on track to be the #1 quarterback and the first overall pick in the NFL Draft. His final college season saw a step back in production from the 2022 Heisman run but remained enough for Williams to secure the right to be the top signal-caller selected.
Williams will most likely join a Chicago team in need of getting rid of incumbent Justin Fields by whatever means necessary. Should the Bears fail to land any solid trade offer for Fields, the Bears will find themselves having to field a quarterback competition between two former top selections.
Caleb Williams Draft Prediction: Round 1, Pick 1, Chicago Bears
QB2: Jayden Daniels, LSU
Jayden Daniels was the next man up after Williams in winning the 2023 Heisman Trophy. The LSU standout turned in a 40-touchdown effort in his final collegiate season with the Tigers and only tossed four interceptions along the way. His co-stars, Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., should also join him in hearing their names called very early on in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Washington Commanders have already been preparing for the inevitable selection of a young quarterback so far in Free Agency. Marcus Mariota, a former #2 overall pick, signed a one-year deal worth up to $10 million. The Commanders have also pried Tyler Biadasz away from Dallas to be an immediate solution at the Center position. Given their moves, the Commanders have all but confirmed their desire to seek a new starting signal-caller under new GM Adam Peters.
Jayden Daniels Draft Prediction: Round 2, Pick 2, Washington Commanders
QB3: JJ McCarthy, Michigan
JJ McCarthy is an enigma in this year’s draft process. While he has remained in the discussion amongst the top 6 quarterbacks, the former Michigan Wolverine standout under Jim Harbaugh has, in some groups, exceeded Drake Maye in the quarterback pecking order. Draft season is undeniably full of smoke and mirrors, but there are some ground-level truths involving McCarthy.
In McCarthy’s final college season, he put together 22 touchdown passes against only four interceptions while leading the Wolverines to their first national championship in 26 seasons. Taking a look at his draft profile would suggest a “sky-high” potential for the former Michigan standout. For the teams immediately following the top 2 selections, McCarthy’s value may be too good to pass on, but a trade into the top 3 selections would be needed. Otherwise, McCarthy’s future may find himself traveling to the hallowed grounds of Foxboro Stadium.
“JJ McCarthy could overtake Drake Maye (in the NFL Draft)”
- Mel Kiperpic.twitter.com/2Cuq55ngP6
JJ McCarthy Draft Prediction: Round 1, Pick 3, New England Patriots
QB4: Drake Maye, UNC
Drake Maye immediately followed current Washington QB Sam Howell after the 2021 season. In 2022, Maye had a standout campaign. He would throw for 4,321 yards to accompany 38 touchdown passes and just seven interceptions. However, 2023 saw Maye take a step back. While still passing for over 3,500 yards, Maye only threw for 24 touchdown passes and nine interceptions for Mack Brown and the Tar Heels.
In this draft process, Maye, who started as the QB2, has now fallen behind Daniels and may even find himself falling behind McCarthy when all is said and done. The Las Vegas Raiders and Minnesota Vikings, a pair of clubs who have questions about the position, may inquire about trading for Maye’s services.
Drake Maye Draft Projection: Round 1, Pick 5 (MIN Projected Trade with LAC)
QB5: Michael Penix Jr., Washington
Michael Penix Jr. has relative seniority compared to the rest of the 2024 quarterback class. At 24 years old, Penix has endured multiple major injuries in his extended college career. Even still, Penix put together a standout final season for the Huskies. Penix tossed nearly 40 touchdowns in that final college season to accompany a near 5,000-yard passing effort. This was done with the help of Rome Odunze, who will hear his name called very early on in the draft.
Penix will have multiple suitors after the initial frenzy of quarterbacks comes to an end. The earliest he may hear his name called will be to his home state team, the Seattle Seahawks. With his injury concerns in mind, there is just as much of a chance Penix slips into the second round, where the New York Giants may be waiting for him.
