Alright. So, that wasn’t surprising. The top six quarterback prospects all went in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. We all knew about Caleb Williams to the Chicago Bears. But, the guys after that were not as “for sure” of a pick as he was in terms of destination. Now that we know where each of the top six guys will be playing to start their career, let’s start ranking rookie QBs based on the situation.
1. Caleb Williams
This isn’t even a question. Not only did the Bears acquire Keenan Allen in a trade to pair with DJ Moore at receiver, but they also drafted WR Rome Odunze with the ninth overall pick. That gives the rookie three dangerous receivers to throw to. Not to mention, they all stand at least 6’0″. No short receivers here in Chicago, I guess.
In all seriousness, you couldn’t ask for anything better if you were Williams. You have the keys to this team, weapons all over the field (including Cole Kmet and D’Andre Swift), and a decent offensive line to play behind. There is no excuse for the former USC quarterback to succeed from day one, with the very least winning Rookie of the Year.
*this is where things get difficult*
2. JJ McCarthy
The fact that Minnesota only had to trade up one selection to grab the Michigan quarterback was just how they imagined it all along. No one really thought they were going to roll with Sam Darnold as QB1, right?
Drafted at tenth overall, McCarthy immediately stepped in as the QB1 for a team that just needed Kirk Cousins‘ replacement to contend for the NFC North. His experience in a pro-style offense will help him transition to the next level, which bodes well for head coach Kevin O’Connell.
Immediately, McCarthy has a WR1 in Justin Jefferson (who looks to get paid soon, watch out!). Jordan Addison is a great WR2, Aaron Jones leads the backfield now, and tight end TJ Hockenson is a quarterback’s best friend. Thought the team could use a better WR3, Hockenson basically serves as that guy.
With that said, I don’t blame for McCarthy being ecstatic to be drafted by the Vikings. You get to work with a great offensive coach, arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL, and contend for the division from the start. Not bad for the national champion. Not bad at all.
3. Jayden Daniels
The Heisman winner lands in Washington, where he will work with new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury in a spread-to-run offense. This particular scheme will allow the quarterback to create plays with his legs often while also getting the ball to his wideouts in space.
One concern: who will he be throwing to? Terry McLaurin is the clear WR1 (and a productive one, I may add), but what about everyone else behind him? Jahan Dotson and Jamison Crowder don’t exactly scream “fear”, and Zach Ertz isn’t someone you can use to back up why your team was just one quarterback away from contending for the NFC East.
Yes, they acquired Austin Ekeler this offseason. But, after a down year in 2023, is it that simple to expect him to find himself again? He will be depended on a lot, whether that’s in the run game or catching passes from Daniels.
Daniels will be a great quarterback in this league. I firmly believe he can get to a Lamar Jackson level one day. But, the situation around him in Washington? Not as bright at the moment.
4. Bo Nix
The Oregon quarterback would fall to the Broncos at 12th overall, just as many of us thought he would be. As the last of the top six signal-callers, he joins Sean Payton who looks to mold him into the franchise guy for years to come.
Yes, we all know what happened the last time Payton worked with a franchise guy (Russell Wilson). But, this is different. Nix’s decision-making stands out the most, helped because of his experience over the years in college. It’s fast, and his accuracy this past year showed enough for Denver’s front office to nab him.
He will immediately start from the day he officially steps onto the field, and brings the tools and playmaking to make a difference in this offense. Javonte Williams will accommodate him in the backfield, as the RB1 looks to have a better season compared to 2023 and show signs of his 2021 self (903 yards rushing).
In terms of his receivers, Denver traded Jerry Jeudy to the Browns this offseason but still have Courtland Sutton as the WR1. Josh Reynolds was signed in free agency, and Denver expects growth from Marvin Mims Jr. after a frustrating rookie season.
There’s potential in the supporting cast for Denver. All they needed was a signal-caller that fit what Payton wants to do. Nix is the guy, and it’s just a matter of getting the talent out of the guys around him.
5. Drake Maye
I feel bad for Maye, I do. The North Carolina quarterback was selected high for a reason. His arm talent and decent mobility are why he was always in the top-three conversation for the best quarterback in the draft. Forget the ACC narrative for a second. He isn’t afraid of throwing over the middle and just needs to avoid sacks better in the NFL to be in the top 10-15 conversation.
But, that will not happen right away. The Patriots’ supporting cast is absolutely terrible. Rhamondre Stevenson is the RB1, yes. But, that’s it. Antonio Gibson was signed in free agency, but mainly for third down/passing situations. The current WR1 is Kendrick Bourne. K.J. Osborn has never been a leading receiver. Juju Smith-Schuster is listed as the WR4. This offensive corps is not promising, whatsoever.
That could change once the draft is complete. But, right now, this is a bleak supporting cast Maye will have to work with from day one. Maybe his arm talent will make them look good. If that happens, the Patriots would be the definition of “Our QB carried the team”.
6. Michael Penix Jr.
I was just as shocked as you are when the Atlanta Falcons selected Penix at eighth overall. With other positions that needed to be addressed, I struggled to understand the selection right away.
Falcons GM: Sir. We drafted Michael Penix Jr.
— GeoffinLincoln (@GeoffinLincoln) April 26, 2024
Arthur Blank: We just paid Kirk Cousins $180 Million.
Falcons GM: pic.twitter.com/kH0xpC6Ke6
Then, I slept on it. I understand it, but barely. You don’t sign a quarterback like Kirk Cousins to a $180 million contract just to draft a quarterback in the first round. Achilles injury and contract details aside, it makes no sense.
Penix is already 24, and your mindset is having him possibly wait 4-5 years before becoming the QB1? He’ll be 28-29 then.
??WILD FOOTAGE?? #Falcons GM Terry Fontenot trying to explain himself to owner Arthur Blank on why they selected Michael Penix Jr.
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) April 26, 2024
???pic.twitter.com/frVniFSuqk
What they did is a disgrace, and destroyed the kid’s career before it even started. Penix deserves to be in a place where he can compete for the QB1 immediately or be the starter from day one. His arm talent and success the past two seasons at Washington support that. Arguably the best pocket passer in the draft, I’ve said that statement multiple times in mock drafts.
Supporting cast-wise, he’ll (hopefully) get to have Bijan Robinson and Drake London as his weapons. Darnell Mooney and Ron’Dale Moore were brought in free agency, which are good pickups. But, he may not even get to work with them, especially if Cousins balls out.
If there was a grade I’d give for this pick, it would be an F. Not because of the player, but for the terrible decision the Falcons made to select him instead of addressing other major needs (EDGE RUSHER?).
"This isn't a relationship that had gone south. This is cheating on your wife on the honeymoon," – Tom Pelissero about the Falcons drafting Michael Penix Jr. without giving much of a heads up to Kirk Cousins pic.twitter.com/C0ZIRLFmzL
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 26, 2024
Thanks for reading “Ranking Rookie QBs Based On Situation“. Make sure to visit Belly Up Sports every week and follow me on Twitter/X! Also, check out me and my co-host Brian Germinaro on the 3rd and 10 Podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts!
Featured Image: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
