2024 NFL mock draft roundup: Where are the top QB prospects predicted to go?
The 2024 NFL Draft is just under one month away. Like in most years, the biggest questions ahead of the draft are where the top quarterback prospects in the class will end up.
Four quarterbacks dominate the top of the prospect rankings: Southern California's Caleb Williams, North Carolina's Drake Maye, LSU's Jayden Daniels and Michigan's J.J. McCarthy.
As the draft approaches, there seem to be increasing opinions that the four of them may come off of the board with the first four overall picks, especially with three quarterback-needy teams in the top three. Many analysts believe that, at the very least, they will all be unavailable after the top 10 picks.
Here are the latest opinions on the landing spots for the top quarterbacks in the 2024 draft class collected from mock drafts around the web.
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Caleb Williams, Southern California
Nate Davis, USA TODAY: Chicago Bears, No. 1 overall
Davis writes, "As if there was ever a mystery, previous QB1 Justin Fields was traded over the weekend for 10 cents on the dollar, clearing the way for GM Ryan Poles to replace him – presumably with Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner. His arm, vision, ability to make off-platform throws and otherwise vast potential make him tantalizing..."
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY: Chicago Bears, No. 1 overall
Middlehurst-Schwartz writes, "Chicago will have to find a way to harness his playmaking ability while figuring out how to get him to play on schedule more often, but that's the kind of problem this organization will gladly take on given the opportunity to change course from its woeful history behind center."
Mike Tannenbaum, ESPN: Chicago Bears, No. 1 overall
Tannenbaum writes, "Williams has rare talent and playmaking ability, and the trade of Justin Fields to Pittsburgh clears the road for him to come to Chicago."
Bucky Brooks, NFL Network: Chicago Bears, No. 1 overall
Brooks writes, "Trading Justin Fields to the Steelers paves the way for the Bears to add the USC standout as their franchise quarterback."
Ben Standig, The Athletic: Chicago Bears, No. 1 overall
Standig writes, "It sure feels like we can almost take out the pen for this projection. Any angst about Williams declining the Bears’ warm embrace faded at the NFL combine."
Jayden Daniels, LSU
Nate Davis, USA TODAY: Washington Commanders, No. 2 overall
Davis writes, "[Daniels] could (should?) nicely plug into new OC Kliff Kingsbury’s offense, which got blocking upgrades in free agency – though the unit could still use a proven left tackle."
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY: Washington Commanders, No. 2 overall
Middlehurst-Schwartz writes, "The reigning Heisman Trophy winner's knack for operating as a cool distributor from the pocket and an electric running threat outside of it makes him a fascinating potential fit for new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury."
Mike Tannenbaum, ESPN: New England Patriots, No. 3 overall
Tannenbaum writes, "I really like the idea of Jacoby Brissett already being in New England, which would allow the Pats to let Daniels develop; there's no rush or rule that says he has to play right out of the gate."
Bucky Brooks, NFL Network: Washington Commanders, No. 2 overall
Brooks writes, "Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury's history working with Kyler Murray and other athletic quarterbacks could make Daniels the perfect fit for the Commanders' new offense."
Ben Standig, The Athletic: Washington Commanders, No. 2 overall
Standig writes, "Trading Sam Howell and not taking a quarterback prospect would be curious, even with Marcus Mariota around. If scouting sources mention a tier peer with Williams, it’s the reigning Heisman Trophy winner."
Nate Davis: Aaron Donald was a singularly spectacular player. The NFL will never see another like him.
Drake Maye, North Carolina
Nate Davis, USA TODAY: Minnesota Vikings, No. 3 overall (proposed trade up)
Davis writes, "Newly hired quarterbacks coach Josh McCown... coached Maye at Myers Park High School in Charlotte... [Maye's] huge arm and ability to be a bruising runner outside the pocket on his best days already evoke mentions of Josh Allen and Justin Herbert."
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY: New England Patriots, No. 3 overall
Middlehurst-Schwartz writes, "The 6-4, 223-pound signal-caller strikes a stark contrast from the options New England has had at quarterback in the post-Tom Brady era, as his rare arm strength and ability to throw on the move can vex opposing defenses."
Mike Tannenbaum, ESPN: Washington Commanders, No. 2 overall
Tannenbaum writes, "Maye has ideal size at 6-foot-4 and 223 pounds and shows really good pocket movement. He can make all the throws and has a good release, executing with accuracy and anticipation... And giving Maye an offense that has Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr. should help him be productive in Year 1."
Bucky Brooks, NFL Network: Minnesota Vikings, No. 11 overall
Brooks writes, "Kevin O'Connell and Co. might have to move up the board to land a franchise quarterback, and they have two first-round picks to help them maneuver. Maye, an athletic playmaker with A-plus arm talent and mobility, is a perfect fit for the Vikings' offense."
Ben Standig, The Athletic: Minnesota Vikings, No. 4 overall (proposed trade up)
Standig writes, "Quarterbacks coach Josh McCown was on Maye’s high school staff, and the prospect with prototypical size and traits for the position seems like the better fit among the likely candidates for coach Kevin O’Connell — which means they go the extra mile to get the passer they want."
J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
Nate Davis, USA TODAY: New York Giants, No. 6 overall
Davis writes, "McCarthy’s stock seems to continue skyrocketing. Why? Demeanor, accuracy, leadership, athleticism, high ceiling, exquisite – yes – game management... his situation would also make sense insomuch as McCarthy could redshirt behind Lock and Jones, whom the Giants can easily cut next offseason – or trade if he plays well in Year 2 of his four-year, $160 million contract."
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY: Minnesota Vikings, No. 5 overall (proposed trade up)
Middlehurst-Schwartz writes, "[G]oing with Sam Darnold as a bridge option to start off 2024 while sitting and developing McCarthy seems like a relatively sound strategy for an organization that suddenly has had change behind center thrust upon it."
Mike Tannenbaum, ESPN: Arizona Cardinals, No. 4 overall
Tannenbaum writes, "Look, QB availability is crucial in today's NFL -- 66 passers started at least one game last season -- and Kyler Murray hasn't played a full season since 2020. I really like McCarthy's long-term upside... I think he's a better, younger and more durable quarterback than Murray right now, and I'm not passing up this chance."
Bucky Brooks, NFL Network: New England Patriots, No. 3 overall
Brooks writes, "Despite his inexperience as a passer, McCarthy's athleticism, intangibles and winning pedigree could fit Jerod Mayo's profile for a QB1."
Ben Standig, The Athletic: New England Patriots, No. 3 overall
Standig writes, "While acknowledging the 21-year-old isn’t ready for Week 1 action, multiple league sources prefer his intangibles over other quarterbacks in this class. Soon we’ll see if the Patriots take the needed passer or help the overall roster."
Penix, Nix round out possible first-round quarterbacks
Michael Penix, Jr., Washington
Mike Tannenbaum, ESPN: Los Angeles Rams, No. 19 overall
Tannenbaum writes, "This makes six quarterbacks in the first 19 picks but consider the bigger picture for the Rams. Matthew Stafford is 36 years old and Jimmy Garoppolo isn't a long-term option. L.A. has a good base to its roster, and Penix's game is well-suited for Sean McVay's offense, thanks to his arm strength and accuracy from the pocket."
Ben Standig, The Athletic: Las Vegas Raiders, No. 29 overall (proposed trade up)
Standig writes, "From the polish in the pocket, striking on deep throws and deftly evading sacks, two league sources rank the southpaw among the top three quarterback prospects. Another scout slotted the Heisman runner-up sixth due to mobility concerns, inconsistency with throws and his injury history."
Bo Nix, Oregon
Nate Davis, USA TODAY: Denver Broncos, No. 12 overall
Davis writes, "They were only too willing to eat Russell Wilson’s high-calorie contract, but Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci seem like a crash diet. Nix has the accuracy – yes, some of his record 77.5% completion rate in 2023 was juiced by the Ducks’ offense – coach Sean Payton values, plus a nose for the goal line (38 rushing TDs in five college seasons)."
Mike Tannenbaum, ESPN: Denver Broncos, No. 12 overall
Tannenbaum writes, "Nix's 77.4% completion rate led the nation in 2023, and he threw 45 TD passes to three interceptions. He has the accuracy and anticipation to succeed in Sean Payton's offense."
Ben Standig, The Athletic: Denver Broncos, No. 25 overall (proposed trade back)
Standig writes, "Taking Nix offers youthful hope even if the Oregon standout is a bit older (24) than the typical rookie. There’s nothing normal with breaking the FBS record with a 77.4 completion percentage."
When is the 2024 NFL Draft?
Where: Campus Marius Park at Hart Plaza in Detroit, Michigan
When: April 25-27, 2024
Cable TV: ESPN, ABC, NFL Network
Streaming: NFL+; ESPN+; fuboTV
How to watch: Catch this year's NFL Draft with a fuboTV subscription
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2024 NFL mock drafts: Projected landing spots for top quarterbacks
