We’re getting closer to the 2024 NFL Draft, and after three quarterbacks were selected in the first four picks in 2023, we could see a slew of excellent quarterbacks go early in April. Caleb Williams and Drake Maye have received a lot of attention in the buildup to the 2024 QB class, but there are many other strong alternatives for teams searching for a new thrower. As many as five quarterbacks might be picked in the first round.
How do the best quarterbacks compare? In my third edition of the 2024 QB Hot Board, an in-depth look at the top signal-callers, I ranked every passer with a draftable evaluation. Right now, that number is down from 16 at the beginning of November as we figure out who will return to school. We’ll go over each player’s strengths and shortcomings, as well as their current draft stock. A lot can still change, but these are the top draft-eligible prospects as of now. (We will continue to update this numerous times in the run-up to the draft, so check back for the most recent rankings.)
He excels in the following areas: Williams, who opted out of USC’s DirecTV Holiday Bowl game against Louisville but has yet to declare for the draft, had some ups and downs during his junior season but still demonstrated No. 1 selection-caliber attributes. His arm strength, accuracy, and improvisational talents have propelled him to the top of the quarterback rankings, and scouts regard him as one of the best quarterback prospects in the last decade. What distinguishes the USC product? No matter what defensive structure is provided to him, he always has a solution.
Williams passed for 3,633 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions this season. He routinely generates explosive plays outside the conventional structure of the offence due to his intuition to create off-script. Williams threw 11 touchdown passes and had an 81.5 QBR on plays outside the pocket. Teams, on the other hand, have forced him to play more within structure this season, and he has responded by completing 72.9% of his throws from within the pocket (up from 70.3% last season).
