2024 NFL Draft: Potential First-Round Quarterbacks Other Than Caleb Williams and Drake Maye

The 2024 NFL Draft class features quarterbacks not named Caleb Williams and Drake Maye. This article considers which of these passers also has a decent shot of getting picked in the first round next year.

Heading into the 2024 NFL Draft, two quarterbacks stand above the pack: USC’s Caleb Williams and UNC’s Drake Maye. But Williams and Maye are not the only two quarterbacks of note in next year’s class. The 2024 NFL Draft features a bevy of talented arms in addition to the top passers—the big question is which of them (if any) will end up in the first round. This article breaks down some of the leading contenders.

QB Quinn Ewers, Texas

Although injuries kept him from playing a full season in 2022, Ewers looked solid for most of the time he was on the field. His production was unexceptional, but in fairness, he had Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson in the backfield eating up touches. A lot of the hype surrounding Ewers is based on projections about his athletic ability—if he wants to be a first-rounder, then he needs to translate his impressive physical tools into big-time play in 2023.

QB K.J. Jefferson, Arkansas

Just a few seasons ago, Arkansas was a struggling program. But thanks in part to Jefferson’s tremendous play, the Razorbacks are now one of the top teams in the SEC again. Jefferson is not the most consistent quarterback, but when he’s on, he’s tough to beat. The Mississippi native has a rocket arm and routinely connects on the deep ball. He can also beat defenses with his legs. If Jefferson can dominate defenses week in and week out this season, he will be in the first-round conversation.

QB Riley Leonard, Duke

Leonard is one of the most underrated players in the 2024 NFL Draft class. He boasts an NFL frame, uncanny ball placement, enough arm talent to be a starter in the pros and above-average athleticism. Leonard was terrific for Duke last year in one of the program’s best-ever seasons, leading the team to a 9-4 record and a bowl victory. Leonard just needs to not take a step back in 2023; he would benefit from continuing to demonstrate his stellar pocket presence, excellent field vision, and the rare ability to hit his receivers in stride.

QB Bo Nix, Oregon

While he was at Auburn, Nix looked like the kind of player who could be a serviceable backup one day in the NFL. Since transferring to Oregon, however, Nix has caught fire. He was one of the best quarterbacks in college football last season, and he could end up winning the Heisman this year. Nix just needs to keep his turnover ratio strong and prove that last year’s performance was an accurate reflection of his ability. NFL scouts are interested to find out whether Nix has finally put it all together.

QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington

While Penix Jr. was at Indiana—in contrast to Nix—the Hoosier looked like a player who probably would not even make a roster in the pros. Yet—like Nix—he transferred to the Pac-12 and breathed new life into his football career. In 2022, Penix Jr. tossed 31 touchdowns (with just eight interceptions), racking up an obscene 4,641 yards through the air. Scouts are lukewarm on this passer’s pro prospects, but NFL teams will be forced to take a second look at Penix Jr. if the lefty has another otherworldly year for Washington.

Keep an eye on the following:

• QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
• QB Grayson McCall, Coastal Carolina
• QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
• QB Joe Milton, Tennessee
• QB Will Rogers, Mississippi State
• QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado