The top names in the 2024 NFL Draft are discussed more often than not, especially when these players are quarterbacks. But the B-tier quarterbacks are nothing to ignore. With a draft class this deep at the quarterback position, value and future starting potential can be readily available outside the generational few going early. The big names in this echelon are the three NFL Draft B-tier quarterbacks with specific niches and playstyles.
Top 3 2024 NFL Draft B-Tier Quarterbacks
Michael Penix, Jr.
6’3” 213 lbs
Age by Draft: 23 years
College: Washington
Archetype: Gunslinger
Player Breakdown
If Joe Milton III did not exist, Penix Jr. would be tied with Caleb Williams for the strongest throwing velocity in the draft. His throwing motion is akin to Philip Rivers — very sidearm-esque — and he has shown his impressive ability to hit difficult windows in high-pressure situations.
One example is in the Cotton Bowl vs. Texas, nailing a tight shot to Rome Odunze in the middle of the field for a touchdown between three separate defenders. Penix Jr. is a strong-sized crafty veteran college athlete and is very mobile, but only scrambles when needed. His pocket presence is at the top of his class.
Weaknesses
Penix Jr. has had a lengthy collegiate career and will be a 24-year-old rookie. Throughout his career, Penix Jr. has had numerous health issues. He tore his right ACL twice in three years and has had shoulder injuries among others. Penix Jr. was also injured during the National Championship vs. Michigan, and his injury hampered him. His foot injury was a factor in his horrific play under the lights, completing around 53% of his passes and throwing a 1:2 touchdown-to-interception ratio in the 13-34 blowout loss, which inflated in the fourth quarter.
Draft Grade
I see Penix Jr. as a mid-second-round pick, likely taken by a team with a veteran quarterback to allow Penix Jr. to sit for a year, similar to Hendon Hooker’s situation with the Detroit Lions.
Draft Projection
Penix Jr. is trending to be a first-round pick, with an impressive 40-yard dash time of 4.51 and 4.57 seconds and an accurate outing of passing at his pro day.
Pro Comparison
Penix Jr.’s intangibles and style of play give off Jay Cutler vibes. Both have a strong stature, a veteran presence, a killer arm, and athleticism when needed.
J.J. McCarthy
6’3” 202 lbs
Age by Draft: 21 years
College: Michigan
Archetype: Off-Structure Game Manager
Player Breakdown
McCarthy is your typical quarterback size at 6’3”, 202 pounds. His athleticism is his greatest threat and he incorporates it into the passing game. McCarthy seems to be more comfortable throwing while rolling out and is a product of an RPO-based offense requiring a combination of option plays and rollout play-action. His accuracy in the pocket is still great, and he has NFL-caliber arm talent, paired with valuable pocket presence. McCarthy is a proven winner and willing to limit his production for the team’s good.
Weaknesses
McCarthy thrived in a smash-mouth run-first offense. He is used to quick reads and short check-downs to his playmakers opened up by the run. Once in the NFL, however, you cannot take the check-down every play or rely on your athleticism to be a comfortable passer. McCarthy in and out of the pocket seems like a completely different player. In the pocket, he holds onto the ball for too long and hesitates on throws, leading to sacks which may be turnovers in the big league.
Draft Grade
McCarthy’s current talent earns him a third-round grade. He is purely a developmental quarterback, and should not be thrusted into a starting spot in his rookie year regardless of a team’s quarterback situation.
Draft Projection
McCarthy is surrounded by first-round talk, with rumors circulating that teams are extremely high on the Wolverine signal caller. These expectations are typically correct, so expect McCarthy to be a top-20 selection for a team desperate for change.
Pro Comparison
For McCarthy, I see shades of Dolphins-era Ryan Tannehill. The two are mobile and are not risk-takers, and McCarthy would be lucky to have a career similar to Tannehill, especially in the early part of his Tennessee stint where he was utilized so well.
Bo Nix
6’2” 217 lbs
Age by Draft: 24 years
College: Oregon
Archetype: Spread-Based Game Manager
Player Breakdown
Nix is a calm, poised passer. He stands at a slightly below-average stature, which he makes up for with his incredible acceleration and pinpoint accuracy up to 15 yards. Nix knows the best way to gain yards is getting it to his playmakers, and he does just that: 77.7% of Nix’s total passing yards are a result of his receivers’ yards after catch. With Nix’s quick processing, Nix would fit best in a 1-read spread scheme until he develops.
Weaknesses
Nix was a product of an RPO-based system, which continues to be a controversial weakness and will stay that way until proven otherwise. Although this system improves his mental clock and decision-making, it isn’t too straining and is fairly easy to operate. Nix is an older rookie, and as a developmental quarterback, may give him a limited opportunity to develop without a team simply giving up on the project (case in point: Matt Corral). Although a strength, his 77.7% YAC yardage shows his severe inability to extend the field deep, regardless of how impressive his arm can be.
Draft Grade
I view Nix as a developmental quarterback with starting capability in the second round. In truth, he will likely be picked much earlier for a quarterback-needy team.
Draft Projection
Nix seems to have the least amount of media hype than the other six top prospects at his position. Nix could very well fall to the second round, especially if wide receivers and linemen are valued in bulk, as they are expected to be.
Pro Comparison
I see some Baker Mayfield in Bo Nix. Smaller in size, has a solid arm, and a short-game mentality.
Main Image: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
