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There's a lot to unpack when it comes to the 2024 NFL draft. It's a draft with a lot of hype from both casual and hardcore football fans, with big-name wide receivers and offensive linemen getting way more attention than they normally do this time of year.
Of course, there wouldn't be this much hype based around those positions if the allure of some big-name quarterbacks didn't draw people to the draft in the first place. Some of the quarterbacks in this draft have been playing college for what feels like forever, including the less-hyped Bo Nix and Spencer Rattler.
Meanwhile, guys like Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels are being touted as the next big thing and will be this year's top 10 overall big-name picks.That said, how do these quarterbacks stack up against each other talent-wise, and how will they fit in their projected NFL team's offense?
7. Spencer Rattler
Honestly, Spencer Rattler isn't that bad—at least, he's not as bad as the haters suggest he is. It's indisputable that Rattler has all the arm talent in the world and is athletic enough to play in the era of the mobile quarterback. Rattler hurt his draft stature from a few years ago, though, by throwing too many picks and being benched before transferring out of Oklahoma.
Projected Team - ?
There isn't a consensus pick for Rattler, as he's likely falling to the 3rd round and beyond. Let's say a team with an older quarterback for the next few years drafts him, such as the Atlanta Falcons or the New York Jets. It's hard to tell how he'd fit in if he'd ever play for that team, but learning behind an Aaron Rodgers or a Kirk Cousins is the best option for him.
6. Michael Penix Jr
Michael Penix Jr has a lot of hype because he led Washington to the National Championship, but being extremely raw and inexperienced has brought a lot of detractors. Penix has one of the best arms you'll ever see, but his decision-making is highly doubtful in transferring well to the league. Just like Rattler, Penix may need some time before he starts.
Projected Team - Las Vegas Raiders
While Penix could certainly fall to the 2nd round, odds are he'll end up in Vegas. It would probably be the 1st round, but Penix could get picked by the Raiders via trade, or maybe he'll slide to them in the 2nd round. Penix would likely sit behind Gardner Minshew for a year before having the reins handed to him. Assuming the team still has Davante Adams, the Raiders might be the right fit for Penix.
5. Drake Maye
Drake Maye gets a lot of love and will go in the top 10, if not number two overall. Watching Maye's tape, I see that there's nothing exciting about Maye or his game. Maye is not extremely smart, nor is he exceptional with his arm and athleticism. Maye is an all-around solid QB who could succeed with enough talent around him.
Projected Team - New England Patriots
If Maye ends up with the Patriots (which the latest odds and rumors suggest he will be), he'll be in the worst situation out of all the quarterbacks on this list. Maye has no one to sit behind, no running game, and no receivers to immediately throw to. The only optimism for Maye and Patriots fans is that the team is in a rebuild under new management, which seemingly understands modern offenses better than the previous regime.
4. JJ McCarthy
JJ McCarthy gets way too much disrespect for someone who just led his team to win the biggest game in college football. If McCarthy played for Alabama or another top-tier program, it'd be one thing, but he played for a defensive-based underdog with a lack of overall offensive talent compared to most major colleges. McCarthy is who a lot of people think Maye is.
Projected Team - Minnesota Vikings
If McCarthy ends up in Minnesota and Justin Jefferson is willing to stay, McCarthy would be in a great short-term situation.
3. Bo Nix
This might seem too high, but in the long run, it may be correct. Bo Nix is a bit too old at 24; however, he's naturally more ready now and polished than most QB prospects because of all that.
Projected Team - Denver Broncos
The Broncos would be the ideal spot for Nix. Mel Kiper believes Nix is similar to Drew Brees in playstyle and in situation. Nix is just about Brees age when he fell in Sean Payton's lap.
2. Jayden Daniels
Jayden Daniels isn't as polished as Nix, but his ceiling is way higher. Daniels is also extremely young at 22, so there's that. Daniels best comparison is Lamar Jackson, where he's not as good of a runner as Jackson, but he might be a better passer. Still, some things need to be ironed out with Daniels.
Projected Team - Washington Commanders
The Commanders aren't the perfect spot, but Kliff Kingsbury and Terry McLaurin can help keep Daniels afloat for now.
1. Caleb Williams
Even the biggest critics would agree that Caleb Williams is the best in this class. Despite Williams's flaws (decision-making, mental issues, etc.), he has undoubtedly one of the best arms and leg pairings the league will ever see. Patrick Mahomes is a fair comparison, even if Williams never wins as many Super Bowls.
Projected Team - Chicago Bears
The issue is that Williams is not playing under Andy Reid. Sure, DJ Moore and Keenan Allen are a great wide receiver duo (in theory), but the Bears quarterback history and it's current coaching staff is unproven at best.
