Though it is a tad early to make concrete statements on where we think all the prospects in next year’s draft class will go, we have been shown flashes and potential by a ton of players that clearly have NFL talent. There is plenty of weeks to go for players to flash that talent needed at the next level, but for the moment here is what we have for the top five quarterbacks in the 2024 class so far.
Let’s dive in.
1. Caleb Williams, USC
It feels like most of the college football fanbase has known for over a year who the number one pick in the 2024 NFL draft will be, and no one else has really moved that close to snatch that hype from USC quarterback Caleb Williams. Consistently making freakish throws, showing a clear understanding of defensive concepts, having the physical makeup of a NFL star. Given his level of play has launched him directly at the top of the Heisman race for the second year in a row, it is Caleb Williams and then everyone else when it comes to this year’s quarterback rankings.
2. Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
No one in football has helped themselves more in the last few weeks than Shedeur Sanders (Well maybe Puka Nacua, but that’s another story). Sanders has helped change an entire culture in Colorado, quarterbacking for his father, NFL hall of famer Deion Sanders. They hype is so much more than surface level, as Sanders legitimately looks like a pro level quarterback, and given the grit and polish as a passer he has shown in a short amount of time, combined with elite athletic ability, Sanders is pushing to be a top-five pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
3. Drake Maye, North Carolina
Drake Maye exploded onto the scene last season, vaulting himself to the top of draft boards around the country with his brilliant play for the Tar Heels. This season Maye has continued to look every bit the pro level passer, even if the production doesn’t necessarily match what shows up on film. Possessing a rocket arm, excellent athletic ability, and a lightning-quick release, Maye is yet another player who looks ready to take NFL level snaps. If Maye can return to the production from last season, he could challenge Shedeur Sanders for the second quarterback spot. Either way he seems to be a locked in first-round pick barring an injury or significant downturn in his play.
4. Michael Penix Jr., Washington
A feel good story on top of being a prospect with one of the highest ceilings in this quarterback class, Michael Penix Jr. has dominated in a big way this season, and is proving to scouts that he can be a reliable and consistent NFL level passer. With a massive arm, beautiful spiral, and clear leadership abilities, Penix projects well to the next level, and is also likely projected to be a first round pick in this upcoming class. If Penix can continue to stay healthy, the sky is the limit for him as a prospect.
5. Riley Leonard, Duke
Perhaps not talked about enough in an incredibly stacker quarterback class, is the play of Duke quarterback Riley Leonard, who has put the Blue Devils on his back and shown off some elite level quarterback traits during some gritty wins this season. While the numbers for Leonard won’t jump out at you, when you pop on the tape you see a big, athletic, and accurate passer, with a NFL level arm that looks like he belongs on the field on Sundays. Unlike the other quarterbacks on this list, Leonard will need to continue to develop and improve to show NFL scouts he can consistently produce at a high level to be considered a first round draft pick. The talent is all there, it’s up to Leonard to guide his own future from here.
