Mark your calendars for April 25-27, 2024, when the shores of Detroit’s Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza transform into the epicenter of the NFL Draft. With the Chicago Bears holding the first pick courtesy of a shrewd trade with Carolina, all eyes will be on their decision. Will they find their franchise savior in this generational talent pool?
The 2024 NFL Draft promises a quarterback carousel unlike any other. From Heisman-crowned gunslingers to electrifying dual-threats, this class boasts a depth of talent sending scouts scrambling.
Dive in with us as we unveil the top 10 gunslingers, their strengths, weaknesses, and the potential impact they could have on your favorite NFL team.
Caleb Williams
College: Oklahoma Sooners (2021), USC Trojans (2022-23)
Stats: 10,082 passing yards for 93 TDs, and 966 rushing yards for 27 TDs
Notable achievements: 2022 Heisman Trophy, 2022 Walter Camp Award, 2022 Maxwell Award, 2022 AP College Player of the Year, 2022 Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year
Possible NFL teams: Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders
Williams got the Heisman hardware, the dazzling playmaking, and the arm that leaves scouts speechless. Caleb isn’t just the top QB prospect in the 2024 draft, he’s a generational talent with the tools to be an NFL superstar.
Williams’ magic lies in his breathtaking athleticism and improvisational genius. He escapes pressure like Houdini, extends plays with Lamar Jackson-esque elusiveness, and unleashes pinpoint throws on the run.
Drake Maye
College: North Carolina Tar Heels
Stats: 8,018 passing yards for 63 TDs and 1,209 rushing yards for 16 TDs
Notable achievements: 2022 ACC Player of the Year, 2022 ACC Offensive Player of the Year, 2022 ACC Rookie of the Year
Possible NFL team: Washington Commanders, New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders
While Caleb Williams might grab the headlines, Drake Maye shouldn’t be overlooked in the 2024 NFL Draft quarterback class. The North Carolina Tar Heel possesses a rare combination of elite arm talent and impressive athleticism, making him a potential franchise cornerstone.
Maye boasts an NFL-ready cannon, capable of launching darts with pinpoint accuracy. He can fit passes into tight windows and elevate throws over defenders, showcasing touch and anticipation beyond his years.
Jayden Daniels
College: Arizona State Sun Devils (2019-21), LSU Tigers (2022-23)
Stats: 12,749 passing yards for 89 TDs and 3,307 rushing yards for 34 TDs
Notable achievements: 2023 Heisman Trophy, 2023 Walter Camp Award, 2023 AP College Football Player of the Year, 2023 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, 2023 SEC Offensive Player of the Year
Possible NFL team: New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings
LSU’s Heisman-winning QB catapulted into the draft conversation after a record-breaking season. Daniels’ electric athleticism and pinpoint accuracy make him a true dual-threat weapon.
He torched defenses for 50 touchdowns (40 passing, 10 rushing) and led the nation in total offense. Daniels’ ceiling is sky-high, but his decision-making under pressure will determine his draft stock.
Michael Penix Jr.
College: Indiana Hoosiers (2018-21), Washington Huskies (2022-23)
Stats: 13,741 passing yards for 96 TDs and 265 rushing yards for 13 TDs
Notable achievements: 2023 Maxwell Award, 2022 AP Comeback Player of the Year, 2023 First-team All-American
Possible NFL team: New York Giants, Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders
Michael Penix Jr. slingshots into the 2024 draft conversation with a cannon arm and cerebral poise. Leading Washington to a national title game, the veteran lefty boasts pinpoint accuracy, dissecting defenses with surgical precision.
Age might raise eyebrows, but Penix’s experience and leadership are invaluable assets. While mobility isn’t his forte, his decision-making and arm talent might just sling him into the first round.
Bo Nix
College: Auburn Tigers (2019-21), Oregon Ducks (2022-23)
Stats: 15,352 passing yards for 108 TDs and 1,613 rushing yards for 358 TDs
Notable achievements: 2023 Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year, 2023 William V. Campbell Trophy, 2019 SEC Freshman of the Year
Possible NFL team: New York Jets, Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings
Nix’s resurgence at Oregon has propelled him into the Best 10 QB conversation. No longer the gunslinger of Auburn, he’s now a polished passer with a cannon arm.
His athleticism remains elite, making him a dual-threat nightmare. While concerns about his footwork and processing linger, his improved decision-making and leadership can’t be ignored. Continued growth in pre-draft workouts could see Nix rise even higher, challenging the top spots in this loaded QB class.
J.J. McCarthy
College: Michigan Wolverines
Stats: 6,226 passing yards for 49 TDs and 632 rushing yards for 10 TDs
Notable achievements: 2022 CFP National Champion, 2023 Griese-Brees Quarterback of the Year
Possible NFL team: Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints
Michigan’s junior quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, is a 2024 NFL Draft class rising star. After leading the Wolverines to a national championship in 2023, McCarthy’s dual-threat ability and accuracy (67.6% completion rate) have him pegged as a probable late first-round pick.
His 2,991 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and 202 rushing yards with 3 more touchdowns in 2023 solidified his place among the top quarterbacks in the draft.
Michael Pratt
College: Tulane Green Wave
Stats: 9,611 passing yards for 90 TDs and 1,147 rushing yards for 28 TDs
Notable achievements: 2023 AAC Offensive Player of the Year, 2023 First-team All-AAC
Possible NFL team: Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, New Orleans Saints
A four-year starter who led Tulane to a historic turnaround under Willie Fritz, Pratt boasts a blend of polish and athleticism that’s turning heads. He’s got a lightning-quick release, pinpoint accuracy, and the escapability to extend plays with his legs.
Pratt’s ceiling might not be the highest, but his floor is incredibly high. He’s a Day 2 prospect with the potential to be a reliable backup and eventual starter in the right system.
Spencer Rattler
College: Oklahoma Sooners (2019-21), South Carolina Gamecocks (2022-23)
Stats:
Notable achievements: 2x Big 12 Champion (2019, 2020), 2020 Big 12 Championship MVP
Possible NFL team: Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Once the No. 1 recruit in the country, Spencer Rattler’s college career has been a rollercoaster. Flashes of brilliance at Oklahoma were followed by struggles and a transfer to South Carolina.
Despite an up-and-down senior season, Rattler’s arm talent and athleticism are undeniable. He can make any throw on the field and has the escapability to extend plays. However, concerns about his accuracy and decision-making remain. If he lands in the right system, Rattler could be a steal in the draft.
Jordan Travis
College: Louisville Cardinals (2018), Flordia State Seminoles (2019-23)
Stats: 8,693 passing yards for 66 TDs and 1,934 rushing yards for 31 TDs
Notable achievements: 2023 ACC Champion, 2023 ACC Player of the Year, 2023 ACC Offensive Player of the Year, 2022 Cheez-It Bowl MVP
Possible NFL team: Las Vegas Raiders, Chicago Bears, New York Jets
Don’t sleep on the Seminole signal-caller. Jordan Travis, with his polished mechanics and elite athleticism, is a rising star in the 2024 NFL Draft.
He’s not just an arm, boasting a 4.6-yard-per-carry average that makes him a nightmare for defenses. His accuracy and decision-making have improved steadily, leading Florida State back to bowl contention. While his size might raise eyebrows, his leadership and clutch play are undeniable.
Joe Milton
College: Michigan Wolverines (2018-20), Tennesee Volunteers (2021-23)
Stats: 4,303 passing yards for 30 TDs and 620 rushing yards for 6 TDs
Notable achievements: 2022 Orange Bowl MVP
Possible NFL team: Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets
Joe Milton III, the Tennessee Volunteers’ gunslinger, enters the 2024 NFL Draft as an intriguing wildcard. Boasting a rocket arm and athleticism that would make Usain Bolt jealous, Milton has all the tools to be a star.
Milton’s draft stock could fluctuate significantly depending on his performance at the NFL Combine and individual team workouts.