NFL Draft prospects 2024: Ranking the top 10 quarterbacks, from Caleb Williams to Joe Milton III

The 2024 NFL Draft class for quarterbacks has a clear-cut “winner.” Caleb Williams will be selected No. 1 overall and become the Bears’ latest long-term solution at QB.

Once he’s off the board, there are five more first-round-caliber talents to fill the big voids of several other teams who need franchise passers. After the top-heaviness, there also are a few intriguing developmental prospects. Given the recent history at the position, no QB selection should be shrugged off.

Here’s looking at the 10 best signal-callers who all should be selected from April 25-27:

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NFL draft prospects 2024: The top 10 quarterbacks

Caleb Williams

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1. Caleb Williams, USC (6-1, 214 pounds)

Why are the Bears seemingly locked into Williams at No. 1 overall? For starters, he can remain a transcendent passer with elite athleticism. What puts Williams over the top are his intangibles of leadership, toughness, and uncanny playmaking. He will pull off whatever improv is needed to win games.

Draft projection: No. 1 overall pick

2. Drake Maye, North Carolina (6-4, 223 pounds)

Maye would be the first QB taken in most drafts with his ideal blend of accuracy and athleticism. He also has the ideal physical frame to help him handle pressure, and he often stands strong in the pocket to deliver the ball well downfield.

Draft projection: Early first-round pick

3. Jayden Daniels, LSU (6-4, 210 pounds)

Daniels is a dynamic runner and also makes it look easy throwing deep with his big arm. He isn’t consistent with his zip and accuracy on short-to-intermediate throws, but he has the elite physical tools to put it all together soon.

Draft projection: Early first-round pick

4. J.J. McCarthy, Michigan (6-2, 219 pounds)

McCarthy stands out for his toughness and leadership as an athletic playmaker, just a few notches below Williams. He has impressed in the draft process, as everyone has seen how accurate he can be with his big arm.

Draft projection: Early-to-mid first-round pick

5. Bo Nix, Oregon (6-2, 214 pounds)

Nix has a little of everything in his bag: arm, accuracy, athleticism, and experience. He has good command of different offenses, whether in a pocket-passing system or one that allows for more extended improv.

Draft projection: Early-to-mid first-round pick

6. Michael Penix Jr., Washington (6-2, 216 pounds)

Penix is getting some first-round looks because of his massive left arm that can make every throw downfield with ease and accuracy. He didn’t make mobility or running much of his game in college, but that can be a bigger factor in the NFL.

Draft projection: Late first-round to second-round pick

Michael Penix Jr.

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7. Spencer Rattler, South Carolina (6-0, 211 pounds)

Rattler, once seen as a high first-round pick like Williams when developing under Lincoln Riley at Oklahoma, reset his stock well last year, showing off his strong arm and versatile playmaking for the Gamecocks. He’s an intriguing developmental backup behind an aging starter.

Draft projection: Third-round pick

8. Michael Pratt, Tulane (6-2, 217 pounds)

Pratt projects as a solid pocket passer who can stick in the NFL as a backup in a 49ers- or Rams-like system. He just offers very little as an athlete to make plays.

Draft projection: Fourth-round pick

9. Jordan Travis, Florida State (6-1, 200 pounds)

Travis, despite suffering a devastating leg injury late last season, will get plenty of late-round consideration because of his decent arm, athleticism, and accuracy that can be further developed when healthy.

Draft projection: Fifth-round pick

Joe Milton III

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10. Joe Milton III, Tennessee (6-5, 235 pounds)

Milton is the classic tall, big-armed pocket passer who can stand strong and make all the throws. He has an absolute cannon that will get him plenty of attention on Day 3. Developing accuracy and handling pressure are the biggest obstacles to him carving out a fair NFL career.

Draft projection: Sixth-round pick