With over a month to go until the 2024 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 25, teams still do their due diligence on top prospects. No position is as heavily debated and discussed as the quarterback position, and this class is no different. The top three 2024 NFL Draft quarterbacks, Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels each have unique upsides and downsides. Whether these flaws may be fatal is still uncertain, but the top three quarterbacks in this class all have polarizing and differing playstyles that may or may not translate to the NFL.
Top Three 2024 NFL Draft Quarterbacks
1. Caleb Williams
6’1” 220 lbs
Age by Draft: 22 years
College: USC
Archetype: Strong-Arm Improviser
Player Breakdown
Caleb Williams is a dual-threat quarterback by definition but makes his presence felt in the passing game. His throwing velocity is on par with the best in the pro league, putting elite zip on the ball to make any throw at any level of the field. His arm talent allows him to easily throw accurate deep balls under pressure, even tossing a 56-yard-in-the-air deep ball against Stanford in the 2022 season. Williams has a reliable, quick release that allows him to get rid of the ball in high-pocket pressure situations. Williams’ accuracy is good both in the pocket and on the run with the ability to hit all levels of the field reliably.
Weaknesses
Williams does not have the prototypical size for his position. Although a smaller quarterback, it will not have much of an effect on his draft stock or player profile as it did on 2023 NFL Draft pick Bryce Young. His USC offense is also run-pass option-prevalent, with many read options, screens, and play-action aspects, as well as it being a primarily one-read offense. Williams will need to adapt to a pro-level offense to succeed, though it shouldn’t be too hard for him. Williams also has a habit of escaping clean pockets and trying to play unnecessary hero ball.
Draft Grade
Williams should be the clear-cut top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He has all the tools of a franchise quarterback with some offensive scheme weaknesses that are relatively easy for him to adapt to. Some may question his maturity, but this should not drop him from the pedestal.
Pro Comparison
My pro comparison for Caleb Williams is Dak Prescott. The two have a nearly identical structure and both play well in and out of the structure, and both have similar athletic traits.
2. Drake Maye
6’5” 220 lbs
Age by Draft: 21 years
College: North Carolina
Archetype: Strong Arm Field Extender
Player Breakdown
Maye is an accurate quarterback with a prototypical size at 6’5” and 220 lbs. He has reliable mobility paired with undeterred base accuracy. His pocket presence against a three to four-man rush is a valuable trait. Maye is a fearless runner when it matters most, taking impact and leaping for first downs. His arm strength is top NFL level, and opens up the field in all levels, deep or not. He possesses the veteran trait of not padding the ball before throwing.
Weaknesses
Maye suffered in 2022 due to North Carolina’s underwhelming offensive line. As a result, he developed happy feet in the passing pocket, which affected his accuracy. It could also help Maye to speed up the process by which he goes through his reads. When faced with pressure, Maye frequently attempts to make a play with his legs instead of standing tall and navigating the pocket, leading to sacks and limited gains. If he kept his eyes downfield, these panicked outcomes could turn into first downs or more manageable scoring opportunities. Maye’s deep ball occasionally falters late, especially on deep floaters, which correcting would help. Maye also has a habit of throwing off his back foot on some deep throws which limits his arm strength, although this tends to be a product of limited pocket development.
Draft Grade
I see Maye as a top-two pick. His potential is there, although his stats did dip from his 2022 campaign. He is precise and fluid, and the gap between him and Williams is not as far as it may seem.
Pro Comparison
My pro comparison for Drake Maye is Justin Herbert. The two quarterbacks possess elite throwing velocity, a commanding deep ball presence, and an improvisation ability, the latter valuable in clutch situations when reads are locked down.
3. Jayden Daniels
6’4” 210 lbs
Age by Draft: 23 years
College: LSU
Archetype: Imposing Scrambler
Player Breakdown
Daniels’ athleticism is top-tier for his draft class and all NFL quarterbacks as well. Pairing with his strong stature and prototypical height for his position, Daniels does not lack quarterback traits as well. His arm is NFL-caliber and can hit all levels of the field. He has a natural feel for the pocket, unlike others of his archetype. When going deep, his accuracy is his strong suit, hitting deep fades and middle crossers with no difficulties whatsoever.
Weaknesses
Akin to Justin Fields, although his deep-to-mid-range ball is phenomenal, he struggles with the short passing game. He is inconsistent when throwing short, which will need improving on to be a reliable starter in the league. His motor skills are both a strength and a weakness. Although Daniels is a fearless runner, he takes countless brutal hits. He needs to protect himself, and if the hits he takes in college seem brutal, the NFL is a whole other level.
Draft Grade
Daniels seems to be a surefire top-five pick. Depending on how the draft shapes out, this could be as high as pick two, but should not fall out of the top five.
Pro Comparison
My comparison for Daniels is Ohio State product Justin Fields. Great size, great athleticism, and throws a great intermediate ball but can struggle with the easy stuff. Furthermore, both quarterbacks had top wide receiver candidates with Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, and Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., respectively.
Main Image: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
