2024 NFL Draft: Quarterback Rankings

Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Last Updated: October 20, 2023.

Caleb Williams, QB, USC Projected Round Top 5 Pick

2023 Season Recap The 6-1 215 lb Caleb Williams has 2,021 passing yards, 23 passing touchdowns, 116 rushing yards, 6 rushing touchdowns, 2,137 total yards, 29 total touchdowns, 4 interceptions, and a 70% completion percentage so far through 7 games against San Jose State, Nevada, Stanford, Arizona State, Colorado, Arizona, and Notre Dame in 7 games for USC in 2023. Caleb Williams only had one bad game against one of the best defenses in the country against Notre Dame. That game may cost Caleb Williams a shot to win back-to-back Heisman Trophies, but he should still be favored to go first overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.

I posted a film cut of USC quarterback Caleb Williams VS San Jose State in week 0 on our Youtube Chanel. Feel free to check it out and let me know what you think.

Caleb Williams SWOT Report

Strengths: Caleb Williams won the 2022 Heisman Trophy. Does everything you want a quarterback to do on tape. Can make up to six progressions. Has the arm strength and throwing power. Displays the short, medium, and deep accuracy on tape. Outstanding field vision. His mind boggling season in 2022 where he had 4,537 passing yards, 42 passing touchdowns, 382 rushing yards, 10 rushing touchdowns, 4,919 total yards, 52 total touchdowns, 5 interceptions, and a 66.6% completion percentage stand out.

Possesses exceptional footwork. Can make 1-step, 3-step, 5-step, and 7-step throws in the pocket. He's also incredible at throwing on the run. Can play in any type of offensive scheme whether it is a balance run first offesnse, a west coast offense, a vertical offense, or a shotgun spread offense. Teammates say he is special because of his work ethic, overall talent, leadership, and ability to be clutch. Excellent at firing the ball into tight windows. Caleb Williams has a super quick release at times where he can fire bullets when throwing with urgency. He literally checks off every box at quarterback.

Weaknesses: Caleb Williams overthrows some deep passes from time to time. Williams also holds onto the ball too long. He is prone to getting sacked when the pocket collapses as well as coverage sacks when nobody is open despite his duel threat ability. Caleb Williams has to identify quick reads better. You also want to see Caleb Williams work more efficently from structure.

Opportunities: 1. Chicago Bears, 3. Denver Broncos, 4. Arizona Cardinals, 5. New York Giants, and 6. New England Patriots. Caleb Williams has a very good chance to go first overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Threats: Caleb Williams told GQ he plays Call Of Duty everyday. If Arizona keeps Kyler Murray and ends up drafting Caleb Williams, the Cardinals will have two quarterbacks in their quarterback room that like to play Call Of Duty. Caleb Williams can thrive on any of the teams I mentioned. Caleb Williams also painted Fuck NDxx on his fingernails in 2022. He can paint his fingernails, but saying fuck your opponent does show a lack of class and maturity on Caleb's end. Despite these question marks, Williams does have the highest ceiling of any quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft despite his talent and skill level.

Caleb Williams is my first quarterback since Trevor Lawrence to earn a maximum potential trade. I can see why people compare his playing style to NFL quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson. Realistically, he's got Kyler Murray's floor and the ceiling of Trevor Lawrence. I don't think Caleb Williams is on the same level as Patrick Mahomes in the NFL right now, but he probably has the best chance to win a Super Bowl among the quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Potential Grade: 99/99

Before 2023

Caleb Williams was a five star recruit in High School. As a true freshman at Oklahoma, he took the starting quarterback job from Spencer Rattler finishing his freshman year with 1,912 passing yards, 21 passing touchdowns, 442 rushing yards, 6 rushing touchdowns, 2,354 total yards, 27 total touchdowns, and 4 interceptions in 2021. Caleb Williams transffered to USC for his sophomore season where he had 4,537 passing yards, 42 passing touchdowns, 382 rushing yards, 10 rushing touchdowns, 4,919 total yards, 5 interceptions, and a 66.6% completion percentage in 2022.
Drake Maye, QB, North Caroina Projected Round Top 5 Pick

2023 Season Recap The 6-4 230 lb Drake Maye has 1,902 passing yards, 12 passing touchdowns, 184 rushing yards, 4 rushing touchdowns, 2,086 total yards, 12 total touchdowns, 4 interceptions, and a 68.9% completion percentage through 6 games against South Carolina, Appalachian State, Minnesota, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, and Miami FL in 2023.

I posted a Drake Maye film cut. Drake Maye looked great versus South Carolina.

Drake Maye SWOT Report

Strengths: Drake Maye was the 2022 ACC Player Of The Year. Does everything you want a quarterback to do on tape. Can make up to six progressions. Has the arm strength and throwing power. Displays the short, medium, and deep accuracy on tape. Outstanding field vision. His mind boggling season in 2022 where he had 4,321 passing yards, 38 passing touchdowns, 698 rushing yards, 7 rushing touchdowns, 5,019 total yards, 45 total touchdowns, 5 interceptions, and a 66.2% completion percentage stand out.

Possesses exceptional footwork. Can make 1-step, 3-step, 5-step, and 7-step throws in the pocket. He's also incredible at throwing on the run. Can play in any type of offensive scheme whether it is a balance run first offesnse, a west coast offense, a vertical offense, or a shotgun spread offense. Teammates say he is special because of his work ethic, overall talent, leadership, and ability to be clutch. He literally checks off every box at quarterback.

Weaknesses: Drake Maye needs to be more decisive as Matt Waldman did a great job breaking down a play where Maye should have fired a screen pass to the first guy he saw open which could have resulted in a 12 yard gain rather than a 2 yard gain because Maye went through all his progressions that were being covered before firing to his first target. Drake Maye also has a tendency to stare at defensive backs when firing into tight windows which leads to interceptions. He doesn't get sacked as much as Caleb Williams, but can get hit sometimes despite his duel threat ability.

Opportunities: 2. Denver Broncos, 4. Arizona Cardinals, 5. New York Giants, 6. New England Patriots, and 7. Minnesota Vikings. Drake Maye should be the second quarterback off the board behind Caleb Williams and he will go to a quarterback needy team as early as second overall.

Threats: Drake Maye really doesn't have any threats as he has a higher floor than Caleb Willams. If you want to knock him for eating belgain waffles for breakfast which I saw on a North Carolina football special on ACC Network, that's just a low blow that I won't stand for since I enjoy belgain waffles myself. You can make that stance with offensive linemen, edge rushers, cornerbacks, and wide receivers since you want those skill positions eating protein for breakfast, but I don't think eating a belgain waffle is a detriment to playing quarterback in the NFL and will not listen to other arguments, since those arguments seem like nonsense. Outside of Caleb Williams, Drake Maye looks like the one quarterback that could be a sure thing in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Potential Grade: 98/99

Before 2023

Drake Maye redshirted in 2021 when Sam Howell was draft elgible for the 2022 NFL Draft. Drake Maye had 4,321 passing yards, 38 passing touchdowns, 698 rushing yards, 7 rushing touchdowns, 5,019 total yards, 45 total touchdowns, 5 interceptions, and a 66.2% completion percentage in 2022.
J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan Projected Round Top 5 Pick

2023 Season Recap The 6-3 202 lb J.J. McCarthy had 1,512 passing yards, 14 passing touchdowns, 160 rushing yards, 3 rushing touchdowns, 1,572 total yards, 14 total touchdowns, 3 interceptions, a 78.2% completion percentage, and a 92.6 quarterback rating which is first in the FBS in 7 games against East Carolina, UNlV, Bowling Green, Rutgers, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Indiana in 2023.

J.J. McCarthy SWOT Report

Strengths: J.J. McCarthy has a lot of toughness especially as a former hockey player. Can make up to six progressions. Has the arm strength and throwing power. Displays the short, medium, and deep accuracy on tape.

Possesses exceptional footwork. Can make 1-step, 3-step, 5-step, and 7-step throws in the pocket. He's also incredible at throwing on the run. Can play in any type of offensive scheme whether it is a balance run first offesnse, a west coast offense, a vertical offense, or a shotgun spread offense. Teammates say he is special because of his work ethic, overall talent, leadership, and ability to be clutch. His 93.7 quarterback rating in 2023 stands out. Michigan Head Coach Jim Harbaugh compared J.J. McCarthy to his former Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, but I don't see that from McCarthy yet. He reminds me of Josh Allen as a runner when scrambling, but doesn't quite remind me of Allen as a passer.

Weaknesses: J.J. McCarthy's field vision is up and down despite his ability to make all six progressions and complete a pass on some throws. Has games where he can be a turnover machine like the game against TCU in last years College Football Playoff when Michigan went 12-0 as well as last weeks game against BYU where he threw three interceptions. J.J. McCarthy is prone to giving up a coverage sack if you cover all of his receivers and force him to take off and run.

Opportunities: 4. Arizona Cardinals, 5. New York Giants, 6. New England Patriots, 7. Minnesota Vikings, and 8. Tennessee Titans. J.J. McCarthy could honestly be the third quarterback drafted in the top 5 of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Threats: I think J.J. McCarthy's hand size is on par with both Kenny Pickett and Jared Goff. It's too early to say if this is true or not. It's just a hunch. I also get a Zach Wilson vibe with J.J. McCarthy for some reason, but I cannot exactly put my finger on why that is the case. J.J. McCarthy has played like a blue chip quarterback through seven games in 2023, but Michigan has also had a fairly easy strength of schedule up to this point as well.

Potential Grade: 97/99

Before 2023

J.J. McCarthy took over as the starting quarterback supplating Cade McNamarra in 2022. J.J. McCarthy had 2,710 passing yards, 22 passing touchdowns, 306 rushing yards, 5 rushing touchdowns, 3,016 total yards, 27 total touchdowns, 5 interceptions, and a 64.6% completion percentage in 2022. J.J. McCarthy led Michigan to an undefeated regular season in 2022, but TCU defeated Michigan in the first game of the 2022-2023 College Football Playoff.
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington Projected Round 1st Round

2023 Season Recap The 6-3 213 lb Michael Penix Jr. has 2,301 passing yards, 20 passing touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 4 rushing yards, 2,305 total yards, a 72.1% completion percentage, and a 91.7 quarterback rating which is 2nd in the FBS so far in 6 games against Boise State, Tulsa, and Michigan State, Arizona State, and Oregon in 2023. Michael Penix Jr. is now the undisputed favorite to win the Heisman Trophy after Caleb Williams slipped up against Notre Dame.

I posted a Michael Penix Jr. film cut. Michael Penix Jr. has thrown for 300 passing yards in every game this season as he kept his 300 passing yards streak alive with 302 passing yards versus Oregon.

Michael Penix Jr. SWOT Report

Strengths: Has the arm strength and throwing power. Displays the short, medium, and deep accuracy on tape. Michael Penix Jr. can play in any type of offense whether it be a balanced run first offense, a west coast offense, a shotgun spread offense, or a vertical offense. Michael Penix Jr. has three receivers draft eligible for the 2024 NFL Draft, a tight end that's draft eligible, his running back, and a fourth wide receiver on Washigton that he threw to against Oregon. I believe he is capable of making up to all 6 progressions with the right supporting cast around him in the NFL.

Michael Penix Jr. threw for over 400 passing yards against Boise State, Tulsa, and Michigan State in his first three contests this year. He also threw for over 300 passing yards against California and Arizona. His 91.6 quarterback rating in 2023 stands out. Possesses exceptional footwork. Can make 1-step, 3-step, 5-step, and 7-step throws in the pocket. He's also incredible at throwing on the run. Michael Penix Jr. only makes 5/6 progressions, but that's still pretty good when you consider how much talent he has. He is capable of making al six progressions with his supporting cast, but hasn't shown that yet.

Weaknesses: Michael Penix Jr. doesn't make all 6 progressions when diagnosing a defense. Overthrows targets at times. Plays more like a pocket quarterback than a duel threat. His football IQ and decision making can be inconsistent at times, but the raw talent is there in terms of his throwing power and throwing accuracy. Michael Penix Jr. has three NFL prospects at wide receiver, an NFL prospect at tight end, and two offensive tackles that look good enough to play in the NFL. While you can argue he's a product of his supporting cast, he hasn't played woefully bad yet in 2023. His worst game was against Oregon as that was the only defense that caused him to complete less than 60 percent of his passes.

Opportunities: 5. New York Giants, 6. New England Patriots, 7. Minnesota Vikings, 8. Tennessee Titans, and 9. Green Bay Packers. Michael Penix Jr. was a player that Wes Langley and myself mocked to the Atlanta Falcons. I don't think Michael Penix Jr. will be available at 19 now and there is a possibility that Michael Penix Jr. has played his way into the top 10 for now.

Threats: Michael Penix Jr. had durability concerns at Indiana. However, he's shown he can stay healthy at Washington after transferring to Washington to play football with one of his coaches who left Indiana for Washington.

Potential Grade: 96/99

Before 2023

Michael Penix Jr. started at Indiana from 2019-2021 during his freshman redshirt to junior redshirt seasons, but also got a fifth year of eligiblity due to Covid-19. Michael Penix Jr. had 4,641 passing yards, 31 passing touchdowns, 92 rushing yards, 4 rushing touchdowns, 4,733 total yards, 35 total touchdowns, 8 interceptions, and a 68.8% completion percentage in his first season at Washington in 2022. Michael Penix Jr. led Washington to a 2022 Alamo Bowl win over Texas where Washington defeated Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers whose the next quarterback in my rankings.
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado Projected Round Top 10 Pick

2023 Season Recap The 6-2 215 lb Shedeur Sanders has 2,420 passing yards, 21 passing touchdowns, -60 rushing yards, 3 rushing touchdowns, 2,360 total yards, 24 total touchdowns, 2 interceptions, and a 72.7% completion percentage in his first season with Colorado in Colorado's 7 games against TCU, Nebraska, Colorado State, Oregon, USC, Arizona State, and Stanford in 2023. Shedeur Sanders transferred from Jackson State to Colorado after his father Deion Sanders left Jackson State to coach at Colorado.

I posted a Shedeur Sanders film cut. Shedeur Sanders looked great versus Colorado State as Joseph Potter the co-host of the Draft Utopia podcast said he had his best game of the season versus Colorado State which I agree with entirely.

Shedeur Sanders SWOT Report

Strengths: Shedeur Sanders has a lot of traits you want from an NFL prospect. Can make up to six progressions. Has the arm strength and throwing power. Displays the short, medium, and deep accuracy on tape.

Possesses exceptional footwork. Can make 1-step, 3-step, 5-step, and 7-step throws in the pocket. He's also incredible at throwing on the run. Can play in any type of offensive scheme whether it is a balance run first offesnse, a west coast offense, a vertical offense, or a shotgun spread offense. Teammates say he is special because of his work ethic, overall talent, leadership, and ability to be clutch. Shedeur Sanders impressed me enough to check off every box at Jackson State, but I wanted to see what type of leap he would make at Colorado before penciling him into the first round of an NFL mock draft.

Weaknesses: Shedeur Sanders has taken 78 hits on drop backs in addition to taking 34 sacks in 2023, but that's more on Colorado's offensive line than Sanders himself. Shedeur Sanders has negative rushing yards right now in 2023. You can look at that and say scrambling needs to improve, but Sanders has the athletic traits you want in a duel threat quarterback. He also sometimes looks lost like he's getting sucked into a tornado when he doesn't make his reads when pressure comes his way when staying in the pocket. He was awful against Oregon to the point where he had an eye sore of a performance. Colorado led Stanford 29 to 0 at halftime only to lose 46 to 43 in overtime.

Opportunities: 6. New England Patriots, 7. Minnesota Vikings, 8. Tennessee Titans, 9. Green Bay Packers, and 12. Atlanta Falcons. Shedeur Sanders and Colorado blew a 29-0 lead to Stanford. Shedeur Sanders has the arm talent and traits to be a first round prospect, but I also feel like he would be better off returning to school for one more year of development.

Threats: I didn't see any threats with Shedeur Sanders initally, but his excessive celebrations can make him come across as someone that is too overconfident to the point where it comes across as cocky even it isn't his intention. Shedeur Sanders whipped out a rolex watch against Arizona State. Does Shedeur Sanders have the ceiling to be a blue chip quarterback? Yes he does. Is Sanders a shoe in to reach that potential? No he is not because when you combine the good and bad there is enough on tape to say there is a 50/50 shot Sanders reaches his ceiling as well as a 50/50 shot he becomes a bust with an eye sore game against Oregon and a collapse agaisnt Stanford where Sanders blew a 29 to 0 lead only to lose in double overtime after throwing an interception to Stanford. Sanders has a much better shot to reach his ceiling if he goes back to Colorado and enters the 2025 NFL Draft where as if he declares in the 2024 NFL Draft, he could easily end up being another NFL draft bust.

When I watched the quarterbacks for the 2024 NFL Draft back in July, Caleb Williams, J.J. McCarthy, and Shedeur Sanders were the three quarterbacks that checked off every box for me as Sanders impressed me with his play at Jackson State while also showing NFL traits in Colorado's Spring Game in similar fashion as Anthony Richardson. Drake Maye checked off 9/10 boxes in the Summer with a 7 step drop as his only unchecked box during the ACC Championship Game, but Tony Mario had Drake Maye as his QB1. After rewatching Maye against Appalachian State, I saw Maye make a 7 step throw against Appalachian State in 2022. Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy, and Shedeur Sanders are my top four quarterbacks for a reason.

Potential Grade: 95/99

Before 2023

Shedeur Sanders had his father Deion Sanders as his High School football coach in 2020 before enrolling into Jackson State where his father coached him in 2021. Shedeur Sanders had 3,231 passing yards, 30 passing touchdowns, 3 rushing touchdowns, 33 total touchdowns, 8 interceptions, and a 65.9% completion percentage as a true freshman with Jackson State in 2021. Shedeur Sanders had 3,732 passing yards, 40 passing touchdowns, 173 rushing yards, 6 rushing touchdowns, 3,905 total yards, 46 total touchdowns, 6 interceptions, and a 70.6% completion percentage at Jackson State in 2022. Once Deion Sanders left Jackson State for Colorado, Shedeur entered the transfer portal to join his father at Colorado.
Tyler Van Dyke, QB, Miami FL Projected Round 1st Round

2023 Season Recap The 6-4 230 lb Tyler Van Dyke has 1,721 passing yards, 16 passing touchdowns, 25 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown, 1,746 total yards, 17 total touchdowns, 6 interceptions, and a 70.5% completion percentage so far in 6 games against Miami Ohio, Texas A&M, Bethune-Cookman, Temple, Georgia Tech, and North Carolina in 2023. Tyler Van Dyke got reconsideration for first round status when he went 21/30 with 374 passing yards, 5 passing touchdowns, and no interceptions against Texas A&M. He threw 3 interceptions against Georgia Tech in a game Miami FL should have won by kneeling the football on third down with Georgia Tech having 0 timeouts. Tyler Van Dyke threw for 391 passing yards against North Carolina in a 41-31 loss where he threw 4 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Tyler Van Dyke plays Clemson this week which is a big game for the Miami Hurricanes if Tyler Van Dyke wants to avoid moving down big boards.

Tyler Van Dyke SWOT Report

Strengths: Tyler Van Dyke came in as a freshman redshirt in 2021 and took the starting quarterback job from D'Eriq King while also earning team captain status heading into 2022. Can make up to six progressions. Has the arm strength and throwing power. Displays the short, medium, and deep accuracy on tape.

Possesses exceptional footwork. Can make 1-step, 3-step, 5-step, and 7-step throws in the pocket. He's also incredible at throwing on the run. Can play in any type of offensive scheme whether it is a balance run first offesnse, a west coast offense, a vertical offense, or a shotgun spread offense.

Weaknesses: Tyler Van Dyke was on pace to be a first round quarterback in the 2022 NFL Draft before having an awful game against Middle Tennessee State despite showing the ability to do everything as a freshman redshirt in 2021. He's more of a pocket quarterback than a duel threat despite having the mobility to throw on the run and scramble in goal line situations. Tyler Van Dyke overthrew targets in third down situations against North Carolina. His decision making is effective at times, yet extremely inconsistent despite having the worst supporting cast of playmakers at running back, wide receiver, and tight end among any quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft. Tyler Van Dyke does have a decent offensive line to make up for this though.

Opportunities: 12. Atlanta Falcons, 14. Las Vegas Raiders, 16. Washington Commanders, 17. New York Jets, and 19. Los Angeles Rams. Tyler Van Dyke should go in the 12-20 range. He's not a top 10 pick, but there's enough upside to gamble on him in the 11-20 range.

Threats: Tyler Van Dyke benefits from having strong offensive tackle play in 2023 with Zion Nelson at left tackle whose also draft eligible in 2024, Javion Cohen at left guard that transferred from Alabama to Miami FL, and Francis Mauigoa a five star recruit true freshman at right tackle who could be a first round pick in 2026. Is Tyler Van Dyke that guy at quarterback or a product of an extremely strong supporting cast at offensive tackle? That is going to be the question NFL scouts have with Tyler Van Dyke leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft.

Potential Grade: 94/99

Before 2023

Tyler Van Dyke had 2,931 passing yards, 25 passing touchdowns, and 6 interceptions as a freshman redshirt taking the starting quarterback job from D'Eriq King as a freshman redshirt in 2021. Tyler Van Dyke had 1,844 passing yards, 10 passing touchdowns, and 5 interceptions during a down year in 2022. Tyler Van Dyke returned to Miami FL wanting to show that his 2022 season was a fluke.
Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas Projected Round 1st Round

2023 Season Recap The 6-2 195 lb Quinn Ewers has 1,704 passing yards, 11 passing touchdowns, 60 rushing yards, 5 rushing touchdowns, 1,764 total yards, 16 total touchdowns, 3 interceptions, and a 69.6% completion percentage in 6 games against Rice, Alabama, Wyoming, Baylor, Kansas, and Oklahoma in 2023.

I posted a Quinn Ewers film cut. Quinn Ewers signature game in 2023 came against Alabama.

Quinn Ewers SWOT Report

Strengths: Quinn Ewers has great arm strength, throwing power, and velocity. He can throw with short accuracy, medium accuracy, or deep accuracy. Quinn Ewers can play in any type of offense whether it be a balanced run first offense, a west coast offense, a shotgun spread offense, or a vertical offense. Can make 5/6 progressions. Can stay in the pocket or scramble as a duel threat.

Weaknesses: You want to see Quinn Ewers improve his consistency on short accuracy, medium accuracy, and deep accuracy when passing the football. Quinn Ewers showed flashes of Landry Jones in terms of his accuracy in 2022, but his decision making has gotten a lot better so far in 2023. Ewers completion percentage skyrocketted in his last two games against Kansas and Oklahoma despite throwing his first 3 interceptions of the 2023 season in those two games.

Opportunities: 14.Las Vegas Raiders, 16. Washington Commanders, 17. New York Jets, 19. Los Angeles Rams, and 20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Quinn Ewers belongs in the back half of the first round, but Tennessee could draft Ewers earlier than expected if he's high on their board. Someone might gamble on Quinn Ewers in the top 20.

Threats: Quinn Ewers has the same issue that Tyler Van Dyke has. He may be a product of his supporting cast on the offensive side of the ball. Quinn Ewers has Xavier Worthy a first round wide receiver in 2024, Adonai Mitchell a second round wide receiver in 2024, and Jordan Whittington at wide receiver. Ja'Tavion Sanders is a second round tight end that had a preseason first round grade in 2024. Texas has Kelvin Banks Jr. potentially the top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft at left tackle and Christian Jones a potential top 100 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft at right tackle. Last year he had Bijan Robinson the top running back in the 2023 NFL Draft. An argument can be made that Quinn Ewers has a stronger supporting cast than any quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Potential Grade: 93/99

Before 2023

Quinn Ewers was one of the top recruits in High School football. Quinn Ewers transferred from Ohio State to Texas after losing the quarterback job to C.J. Stroud in 2021. Quinn Ewers redshirted in 2021, but started as a freshman redshirt at Texas with 2,177 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns, 1 rushing touchdown, 16 total touchdowns, 6 interceptions, and a 57.1% completion percentage in 2022.
D.J. Uiagalelei, QB, Oregon State Projected Round 2nd Round

2023 Season Recap The 6-4 252 lb D.J. Uiagalelei has 1,573 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns, 124 rushing yards, 5 rushing touchdowns, 1,697 total yards, 20 total touchdowns, 4 interceptions, and a 60.2% completion percentage so far in 7 games against San Jose State, UC Davis, San Diego State, Washington State, Utah, California, and UCLA in 2023. D.J. Uiagalelei showed the ability to make up to 5 progressions on one touchdown throw against San Jose State which is the biggest reason I moved him up as high as I did. He also helped Oregon State defeat an undefeated Utah team.

D.J. Uiagalelei SWOT Report

Strengths: D.J. Uiagalelei has great arm strength, throwing power, and velocity. His strong arm allows him to fire the ball into tight windows as he knows how to keep a defense on their toes. He can throw with short accuracy, medium accuracy, or deep accuracy. D.J. Uiagalelei can play in any type of offense whether it be a balanced run first offense, a west coast offense, a shotgun spread offense, or a vertical offense. Can make 5/6 progressions. Can stay in the pocket or scramble as a duel threat. D.J. Uiagalelei is great at mentally processing information. I saw a special on D.J. Uiagalelei where his girlfriend quizzed him on some plays which is gonna help when Uiagalelei has to memorize plays at the next level.

Weaknesses: You want to see D.J. Uiagalelei improve his consistency on short accuracy, medium accuracy, and deep accuracy when passing the football. D.J. Uiagalelei could improve by developing that sixth progression. He's a statue in the pocket. He struggles with his accuracy mainly due to the fact that he cannot control how much touch he puts on the football even though this has improved to a degree at Oregon State. His windup and passing motion is similar to Byron Leftwich's passing motion coming out of Marshall. D.J. Uiagalelei does not have a single game where he's thrown for over 300 passing yards or a game where he's accumulated 300 total yards through the air as well as the ground at Oregon State so far in 2023.

Opportunities: 34. New Orleans Saints, 36. New York Giants, 37. New England Patriots, 40. Minnesota Vikings, and 42. Green Bay Packers. I expect D.J. Uiagalelei to go somewhere in the top half of the second round because my two second round quarterbacks are D.J. Uiagalelei and Sam Hartman. D.J. Uiagalelei is 22-years-old while Sam Hartman is 24-years-old. That youth gives Uiagalelei more longevity and upside even if you want to argue he's the rawer prospect.

Threats: D.J. Uiagalelei is dependant on his supporting cast to make plays. Oregon State has two offensive tackles projected to go in the first four rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft. Is D.J. Uiagalelei that guy or is he a product of his supporting cast at Oregon State after losing the starting quarterback job to Cade Klubnik at Clemson.

Potential Grade: 89/99

Before 2023

D.J. Uiagalelei defeated Bryce Young the first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft as a high school senior to lead his team to a State Title. D.J. Uiageleli went to Clemson. D.J. Uiagalelei like Bryce Young was a five star recruit at quarterback. He started a game for Clemson as a freshman when Trevor Lawrence had Covid-19 in 2020. He started the last two years at Clemson in 2021 and 2022 before transferring to Oregon State for his senior season when he got benched for Cade Klubnik. D.J. Uiagalelei could ascend up draft boards with a strong year at Oregon State.
Sam Hartman, QB, Notre Dame Projected Round 2nd Round

2023 Season Recap The 6-1 210 lb Sam Hartman had 1,838 passing yards, 18 passing touchdowns, 14 rushing yards, 2 rushing touchdowns, 1,852 total yards, 20 total touchdowns, 3 interceptions, an a 64.5% completion percentage in his lone season at Notre Dame so far in eight games against Navy, Tennessee State, North Carolina State, Central Michigan, Ohio State, Duke, Louisville, and USC in 2023.

I posted a film cut of Sam Hartman versus Ohio State. Sam Hartman managed the game well despite losing.

Sam Hartman SWOT Report

Strengths: Sam Hartman can make 1-step, 3-step, 5-step, and 7-step throws. He's got a good arm allows him to fire the ball into tight windows as he knows how to keep a defense on their toes. He can throw with short accuracy, medium accuracy, or deep accuracy. Sam Hartman can play in any type of offense whether it be a balanced run first offense, a west coast offense, a shotgun spread offense, or a vertical offense. Can make 5/6 progressions. Can stay in the pocket or scramble as a duel threat. Sam Hartman is great at mentally processing information.

Weaknesses: Sam Hartman could only read 2 progressions in 2021 when he took Wake Forest to the ACC Championship. He showed he could improve that number to 3-4 progressions in 2022. He improved that to 5/6 progressions in 2023, but still doesn't read all six progressions. He has a good arm, but not a great arm.

Opportunities: 36. New York Giants, 37. New England Patriots, 40. Minnesota Vikings, 42. Green Bay Packers and 43. Atlanta Falcons. I expect Sam Hartman to go somewhere in the top half of the second round.

Threats: Sam Hartman is already 24. There may be less room for development with him due to his age. He also has a very good duo of bookend offensive tackles at Notre Dame like Quinn Ewers at Texas or D.J. Uiagellei at Oregon State so you wonder if Hartman can be that leadeer or if he is a product of his supporting cast.

Potential Grade: 88/99

Before 2023

Sam Hartman had 4,228 paqssing yards, 39 passing touchdowns, 363 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns, 4,591 total yards, 50 total touchdowns, 14 interceptions, and a 58.9% completion percentage when taking Wake Forest to the 2021 ACC Championship in 2021. Sam Hartman had 3,701 passing yards, 38 passing touchdowns, 129 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown, 3,830 total yards, 39 total touchdowns 12 interceptions, and a 63.1% completion percentage in 2022. Sam Hartman left Wake Forest and transferred to Notre Dame through the transfer portal.
Jordan Travis, QB, Florida State Projected Round 3rd Round

2023 Season Recap The 6-1 212 lb Jordan Travis had 1,582 passing yards, 13 passing touchdowns, 114 rushing yards, 4 rushing touchdowns, 1,696 total yards, 17 total touchdowns, 1 interception, and a 63.2% completion percentage in 6 games against LSU, Southern Mississippi, Boston College, Clemson, Virginia Tech, and Syracuse so far in 2023. Jordan Travis is my top third round prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft, but an argument can be made for him going even higher as early as the second round.

Jordan Travis SWOT Report

Strengths: Jordan Travis can make 1-step, 3-step, 5-step, and 7-step throws. Jordan Travis can play in any type of offense whether it be a balanced run first offense, a west coast offense, a shotgun spread offense, or a vertical offense. He has the short accuracy, medium accuracy, and deep accuracy you want in a quarterback. Jordan Travis can make 4/6 progressions. I've seen Jordan Travis complete passes in the pocket and throw on the run.

Weaknesses: You'd like to see Jordan Travis make up to all six progressions, but he's come a long way since starting. Jordan Travis shows a lack of hip rotation when leading his arm through extension. Using your hip rotation when leading the arm through hip extension maximizes throwing power and throwing accuracy. I haven't seen Travis maximize his hip extension yet and I'm starting to wonder if anyone can teach Travis this at the NFL level.

Opportunities: 67. New York Giants, 68. New England Patriots, 70. Seattle Seahawks, 73. Green Bay Packers, and 75. Denver Broncos. I expect Jordan Travis to go somewhere in the top half of the third round.

Threats: Jordan Travis may be a product of his supporting cast. Having weapons in the passing game like wide receiver Keon Coleman, wide receiver Johnny Wilson, tight end Jaheim Bell, and running back Trey Benson has allowed Jordan Travis to thrive as a game manager. Robert Scott Jr. the left tackle on Florida State also has experience at right tackle giving Travis a competent blindside. One is Jordan Travis a product of his supporting cast like Tyler Van Dyke, D.J. Uiagalelei, and Sam Hartman? Two can Jordan Travis fix his his throwing motion and incorporate more of a hip roation when getting ready to release his passes so he can maximize his velocity as well as his accuracy? Tom Brady and Joe Burrow are both amazing at using hip rotation when getting ready to fire the football. Maybe watching film on those two will help Travis out.

Potential Grade: 87/99

Before 2023

Jordan Travis began his college career at Louisville. Jordan Travis couldn't beat out Malik Cunningham for the starting quarterback job. When an opportunity to start at his dream school Florida State came up, he transferred to Florida State and has started there the last four years. He got an extra year of eligiibility due to Covid 19. Jordan Travis had 3,214 passing yards, 24 passing touchdowns, 417 rushing yards, 7 rushing touchdowns, 3,631 total yards, 31 total touchdowns, 5 interceptions, and a 64% completion percentage in 2022.
Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina Projected Round 3rd Round

2023 Season Recap The 6-1 217 lb Spencer Rattler had 1,724 passing yards, 11 passing touchdowns, 129 rushing yards, 2 rushing touchdowns, 1,853 total yards, 13 total touchdowns, 4 interceptions, and a 73.6% completion percentage in 6 games in 2023 against North Carolina, Furman, Georgia, Mississippi State, Tennessee, and FLorida in 2023. Spencer Rattler had a signature game against Georgia showing the ability to make up to 5 progressions against Georgia with South Carolina leading at halftime in Athens, Georgia before Georgia rallied in the second half.

I posted a film cut of Spencer Rattler VS North Carolina. Spencer Rattler exceeded 300 passing yards, but didn't throw a touchdown or interception. In Rattler's defense he had a freshman left tackle filling in for an injured starter and the backup right tackle came in for an injured starter. Spencer Rattler had to play with two backup offensive tackles which explains the 9 sacks he took in this game. There were some big time throws as well as missed reads on some of the sacks with his best wide receiver Xavier Legette open 8 times.

Spencer Rattler SWOT Report

Strengths: Spencer Rattler has an exceptonal arm. Has the arm strength, throwing power, and velocity to throw it deep. Spencer Rattler can throw on the run and can fire the ball into any window. His accuracy, decision making, and mental processing has gotten a lot better in 2023 to the point where he finally showed enough potential after being a five star quarterback coming out of High School.

Spencer Rattler can make 1-step, 3-step, and 5-step throws. Spencer Rattler can thrive in a shotgun spread offense or a vertical offense. Spencer Rattler showed he could make 5/6 progressions.

Weaknesses: He still misses reads on tape and doesn't always turn his head when his wide receivers are open. His short accuracy, medium accuracy, and deep ball accuracy still needs to become more consistent despite vastly improving during his senior season. Doesn't always keep his feet straight when dropping back. Footwork is still an area of improvement. He's going to struggle with 7-step drops despite being efficient on 1-step, 3-step, and 5-step throws.

He's overthrown some deep passes on tape despite making big plays on film. Overthrowing those passes prevented South Carolina from scoring against North Carolina. Spencer Rattler also lost the starting quarterback job to Caleb Williams at Oklahoma. What has Rattler learned between now and then.

Opportunities: 68. New England Patriots, 70. Seattle Seahawks, 73. Green Bay Packers, 75. Denver Broncos, and 76. Las Vegas Raiders. Spencer Rattler will get picked somewhere in the third round.

Threats: I don't see Spencer Rattler having success in a balanced run first offense or a west coast offense. Spencer Rattler will have to go to a team that runs a shotgun spread offense or a balanced run first offense. The team that drafts him will also have to be patient with him. Rattler does have the upside to be an NFL starter, but I wonder if he has the processing between the ears to succeed at the next level.

Spencer Rattler can make 5/6 progressions which is more than what Jordan Travis can do. Rattler isn't as consistent as Travis and the statement win Jordan Travis has against LSU is more impressive at the moment.

Potential Grade: 87/99

Before 2023

Spencer Rattler was a five star recruit in High School. Spencer Rattler redshirted behind Jalen Hurts in 2019. Rattler took over for Hurts as a freshman redshirt where he had 3,031 passing yards, 28 passing touchdowns, 7 interceptions, and a 67.5% completion percentage in his first year as a starter which is still a career best for Rattler in 2020. He led Oklahoma to an undefeated start before geting benched for Caleb Williams who rallied Oklahoma to a comeback win hte Red River Shootout as a sophomore redshirt in 2021. Spencer Rattler transferred to South Carolina having 3,026 passing yards, 18 passing touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in 2022.
Bo Nix, QB, Oregon Projected Round 3rd Round

2023 Season Recap The 6-2 217 lb Bo Nix has 1,796 passing yards, 17 passing touchdowns, 101 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown, 1,897 total yards, 18 total touchdowns, 1 interception, and a 79.2% completion percentage so far in 6 starts against Portland State, Texas Tech, Hawaii, Colorado, Stanford, and Washington. Bo Nix showed what may be the quickest release in the 2024 NFL Draft in Oregon's 42-6 statement win over Colorado before proceeding to defeat the same team that defeated Colorado 42-6.

I posted a film cut of Bo Nix VS Washington. Bo Nix is dependant on wide receiver Troy Franklin and Oregon running back Bucky Irving. You can watch the tape if you don't believe me because that's what the tape shows.

Bo Nix SWOT Report

Strengths: Displays the short, medium, and deep ball accuracy on tape. Can make 1-step, 3-step, and 5-step drops. Bo Nix can make up to 3 progressions and will give you 2 progressions at the very worst. He's got one of the five quickest releases arguably the quickest release through the first four games of the 2023 season.

Bo Nix can play in a balanced run first offense or a shotgun spread offense. He might be able to transition to a west coast offense since short passes are his biggest strength despite not playing under center.

Weaknesses: Bo Nix will also struggle with 7-step drops despite having the skill set to make 1-step, 3-step, and 5-step drops. Running back Bucky Irving and wide receiver Troy Franklin made the big plays for Oregon in Oregon's 42-6 win over Colorado. Joey told me that he saw Bo Nix make up to 4 reads, but I haven't seen that on tape yet. Nix maxed out at 3/6 progressions despite his uber quick release. I also believe Nix will have problems firing deep passes into tight windows in the NFL even though his coaching staff at Oregon has masked this glaring weakness in his game. It's essentially the same problem Sam Ehlinger had coming out of Texas, but not as severe since he's thrown 50 yard touchdown passes.

Opportunities: 70. Seattle Seahawks, 73. Green Bay Packers, 75. Denver Broncos, 76. Las Vegas Raiders and 78. Washington Commanders. Bo Nix will get picked somewhere in the third round. He had an incredible game versus Colorado. Bo Nix has generated first to second round hype, but I'm still not sold on Bo Nix in terms of his ceiling.

Threats: Oregon's coaching staff is masking a lot of weaknesses with Bo Nix. He's been quick, accurate, and decisive in 2023. He hasn't wowed me with arm strength or progressions which leads me to believe he has a limited ceiling. I gave Bo Nix the same exact grade I gave Kenny Pickett coming out of Pittsburgh. Above average starter, but nothing spectacular. Nix is a safe steady hand, but he's not going to wow you. Bo Nix has gotten a lot of first round hype, but I'm not buying it. Is he overhyped at the moment? Yes, to a degree because I believe he's more of a third round prospect than a first round prospect since Desmond Ridder made 4 progressions at Cincinnati despite dropping to the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Is he overrated as a prospect? No, I don't think Nix is overrated since he actually has the upside to develop into an NFL starter unlike Kentucky quarterback Will Levis.

Potential Grade: 86/99

Before 2023

Bo Nix started at Auburn as a true freshman where he defeated Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert in his first career NCAA start. Bo Nix struggled in his first three seasons at Auburn despite Nix defeating Herbert. Bo Nix turned the corner when he transferred to Oregon in 2022.

Bo Nix had 3,593 passing yards, 29 passing touchdowns, 510 rushing yards, 14 rushing touchdowns, 4,103 total yards, 43 total touchdowns, 7 interceptions, and a 71.9% completion percentage in 2022. Bo Nix had eye popping production from a statistics standpoint, but I think he's closer to Mitchell Trubisky than Jared Goff from a production standpoint.
Cam Ward, QB,Washington State Projected Round 3rd Round

2023 Season Recap The 6-2 223 lb Cam Ward has 1,779 passing yards, 14 passing touchdowns, 101 rushing yards, 3 rushing touchdowns, 1,880 total yards, 17 total touchdowns, 3 interceptions, and a 69.7% completion percentage in 6 games against Colorado State, Wisconsin, Northern Colorado, Oregon State, UCLA, and Arizona in 2023. Cam Ward got Washington State off to a 4-0 start before having a bad game against UCLA where he threw more interceptions than touchdowns. He did the same thing against Arizona and could end up dropping to day 3.

Cam Ward SWOT Report

Strengths: Cam Ward has the throwing power, short accuracy, medium accuracy, and deep accuracy to be an NFL starter. He throws on the run well. He can complete a pass making a 1-step, 3-step, 5-step, and 7-step drop. Cam Ward improved from 1 progressions to 2 progressions. Cam Ward only knwos a shotgun spread offense, but the crazy thing is he has the arm to succeed in a vertical offense. Cam Ward improved his ability to make progressions from 1 progression to 3 progressions. I saw Cam Ward read three progressions and complete a pass. Cam Ward is also incredible at scrambling on the run. Cam Ward dominated an Oregon State team that had the number one defense in the PAC 12 in 2022 which is the biggest reason I moved Cam Ward into the third round as Cam Ward was able to throw a touchdown pass despite taking 7.6 seconds off the clock.

Weaknesses: Cam Ward cannot make more than 3/6 progressions. In 2022 he would take off and run if his main option wasn't open. He's improved to 3/6 progressions. Cam Ward can be a successful starter in a shotgun spread offense or a vertical offense. Ward will not succeed in a west coast offense or a balanced run first offense.

Opportunities: 73. Green Bay Packers, 75. Denver Broncos, 76. Las Vegas Raiders, 78. Washington Commanders and 79. New York Jets. These are five teams that could gamble on Cam Ward in the third round, start him out as a backup, and potentially develop him into an NFL starter. Cam Ward is raw, but Jalen Hurts only made 2/6 progressions at Oklahoma before taking a major leap in fixing his progressions and footwork at the 2020 Reese's Senior Bowl. Cam Ward could develop in a similar fashion as Jalen Hurts did with a strong week in Mobile even though it is a long shot that Ward ever reaches the level Hurts has in the NFL so far.

Threats: There aren't many threats with Cam Ward. He's a safe quarterback, but he's limited to 3/6 reads for the time being unless he wows people at the 2024 NFLPA Senior Bowl.

Potential Grade: 85/99

Before 2023

Cam Ward had 4,648 passing yards, 47 passing touchdowns, and 10 interceptions at Incarnate World in 2021. Cam Ward transferred to Washington State the following year where he became the starting quarterback in 2022. Cam Ward had 3,221 passing yards, 23 passing touchdowns, 58 rushing yards, 5 rushing touchdowns, 3,279 total yards, 28 total touchdowns, 9 interceptions, and a 64.4 completion percentage in 2022.
Michael Pratt, QB, Tulane Projected Round 3rd Round

2023 Season Recap The 6-3 220 lb Michael Pratt has 927 passing yards, 9 passing touchdowns, 121 rushing yards, 2 rushing touchdowns, 1,048 total yards, 11 total touchdowns, 1 interception, and a 70.7% completion percentage in 2023. Michael Pratt started the season opener against South Alabama despite playing through a knee injury. Pratt sat out in weeks 2 and 3 before returning to full health against Nicholls in week 4 before leading Tulane to conference wins over UAB and Memphis.

Michael Pratt SWOT Report

Strengths: Displays the short, medium, and deep ball accuracy on tape. Can make 1-step, 3-step, and 5-step drops. Michael Pratt can make up to 3 progressions and will give you 2 progressions at the very worst. He's got the best completion percentage 2023 season.

Michael Pratt can play in a balanced run first offense, a shotgun spread offense, or a west coast offense. He can play in any offensive scheme except a vertical offense. Pratt can manage a game extremely efficiently. Tulane's captain has great leadership traits.

Weaknesses: He's not someone who can read all six progressions. I do not think Michael Pratt has enough arm strength to play in a vertical offense despite having a good enough arm to play in the NFL. Needs to develop his 7-step drop. Michael Pratt feels like a pocket quarterback, so I certainly think there are some limitations to his game, but he is an incredible game manager regardless. He does not have a game with 300 passing yards.

Opportunities: 75. Denver Broncos, 76. Las Vegas Raiders, 78. Washington Commanders, 79. New York Jets, and 81. Atlanta Falcons. Michael Pratt is my only third round grade left on the board.

Threats: Michael Pratt is a safe quarterback with enough of a ceiling to become a borderline starter on an NFL team. If Pratt falls to day 3 it will be due to the fact that NFL teams are concerned about the medicals with his knee injury that caused him to miss two games.

Potential Grade: 85/99

Before 2023

Michael Pratt has started since his freshman season. Pratt was first on my radar in 2021 before Tyjae Spears when Tulane went 2-10. Pratt did well with 296 passing yards, 3 passing touchdowns, and no picks with a really weak supporting cast while Spears was injured in a loss to Oklahoma when facing Spencer Rattler.

Michael Pratt had 3,010 passing yards, 27 passing touchdowns, 478 rushing yards, 10 rushing touchdowns, 3,488 total yards, 37 total touchdowns, and a 63.6% completion percentage. Michael Pratt defeated USC quarterback Caleb Williams in the 2023 Cotton Bowl.
Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oklahoma Projected Round 4th Round

2023 Season Recap The 5-11 204 lb Dillon Gabriel has 1,878 passing yards, 16 passing touchdowns, 208 rushing yards, 5 rushing touchdowns, 2,086 total yards, 21 total touchdowns, 2 interceptions, a 72.3% completion percentage, and a 91.1 quarterback rating that ranks 3rd in the FBS in 6 games versus Arkansas State, SMU, Tulsa, Cincinnati, Iowa State, and Texas in 2023. Oklahoma is 6-0 in large part due to Dillon Gabriel.

I posted a film cut of Dillon Gabriel VS Texas. My friend believes Dillon Gabriel is a second round prospect, but I think his offensive line at Oklahoma is so good that it masks a lot of his weaknesses. There is also sound effects in this video.

Dillon Gabriel SWOT Report

Strengths: Dillon Gabriel has a quick release. He also has the mobility to take off and run. Can complete 1-step, 3-step, or 5-step drops. Can run a shotgun spread offense or a balanced run first offense while having success. Excellent decision maker with outstanding leadership traits as well as a high football IQ. Dillon Gabriel can play turnover free football consistently and that is why he has just enough upside to be a borderline NFL starter in the right offensive scheme. Dillon Gabriel can make up to 3/6 progressions, but is decisive enough to take off and run if he what he sees isn't open since his incredible field vision and mental processing allows him to digest what the defense does at a very quick capacity.

Weaknesses: His throwing power and throwing accuracy is not as consistent. His short ball and medium ball accuracy is the worst I've seen from an Oklahoma quarterback since Landry Jones. At the same token, Texas had three turnovers versus Oklahoma while Gabriel played turnover free football. Dillon Gabriel has the best offensive line he's had in his NCAA career at Oklahoma and it is a huge reason for his success. Dillon Gabriel would struggle in a west coast offense or a vertical offense. Gabriel also struggles with 7-step drops.

Opportunities: 101. Carolina Panthers, 102. New York Giants, 103. New England Patriots, 105. New York Jets, 108. Minnesota Vikings. Dillon Gabriel is my only quarterback with a fourth round grade.

Threats: Dillon Gabriel is my final quarterback with enough upside to develop into a starter. He is a massive project though and will require a minimum of one year on the bench and a maximum of two years on the bench before being thrusted into a starting role.

Potential Grade: 85/99

Before 2023

Dillon Gabriel began his NCAA career at Central Florida. Dillo Gabriel had 3,653 passing yards, 29 passing touchdowns, and 7 passing touchdowns as a true freshman at Central Florida in 2019. Dillon Gabriel had 3,570 passing yards, 32 passing touchddowns, and 4 interceptions as a true sophomore in 2020. Dillon Gabriel dealt with injuries in 2021 leading to him getting a medical transfer. Dillon Gabriel transferred to Oklahoma in 2022 after both Caleb Williams and Spencer Rattler entered the transfer portal.
Riley Leonard, QB, Duke Projected Round 5th Round

2023 Season Recap The 6-4 212 lb Riley Leonard was a player that both Dane Brugler and Mel Kiper Jr. had a first round grade on the preseason. Riley Leonard has 912 passing yards, 3 passing touchdowns, 326 rushing yards, 4 rushing touchdowns, 1,238 total yards, 7 total touchdowns, 1 interception, and a 62.7% completion percentage in 5 starts against Clemson, Lafayette, Northwestern, Connecticut, and Notre Dame in 2023.

I posted a film cut of Riley Leonard VS Notre Dame. I posted every play of Duke's quarterback including the good, bad, and ugly. There were good plays, bad plays, but the ugliest play was how the game ended for Duke quarterback Riley Leonard. In Riley Leonard's defense his blindside left tackle Graham Barton, who projects as a guard in the NFL for Duke did not play in this game due to an injury.

Riley Leonard SWOT Report

Strengths: Riley Leonard has a good arm, but not a great arm. The short accuracy and medium accuracy is there. He's also a solid scrambler when taking off and running with the football. Riley Leonard can make a 1-step, 3-step, or 5-step drop in the pocket. Improved from 1 progression to 2 progressions against Clemson. He actually read 3 progressions for the first time on film on the interception he threw against Notre Dame when staring down his receivers.

Weaknesses: He's more accurate than Daniel Jones, unlike the former Duke quarterback he's limited to a shotgun spread scheme. Riley Leonard also struggles with deep accuracy on deeper passes. Daniel Jones could play in all four NFL schemes at Duke in the balanced run first offense, shotgun spread, west coast, or a vertical offense and he's only slightly better than Daniel Jones. Riley Leonard has to develop his 7-step drop. Leonard doesn't have a single game with 300 passing yards or 300 total yards yet in 2023. He can only make 2/6 progressions before taking off and running or throwing an inaccurate pass.

Opportunities: I got a fifth round grade on Riley Leonard. I have a backup quarterback grade on Riley Leonard. If Riley Leonard can go back to school for one more season, that avenue is worth exploring since a signature 2024 season could make Leonard a day 2 pick in a much weaker 2025 quarterback class.

Threats: Riley Leonard is humble. When his mom kept telling him how good he was growing up Riley told his mom to keep him in check. Riley Leonard's mom made you suck bracelets and gave them away to the crew on College Gameday. Riley Leonard got an 84/99 potential grade and anything below an 85/99 is a backup grade for me as far as potential goes. At the same time, he did get injured versus Notre Dame, so I am curious to see how he tests medically for the 2024 NFL Combine after having a preseason first round grade from Mel Kiper Jr. and Dane Brugler.

Potential Grade: 84/99

Before 2023

Riley Leonard had 2,967 passing yards, 20 passing touchdowns, 699 rushing yards, 13 rushing touchdowns, 3,666 total yards, 33 total touchdowns, 6 interceptions, and a 63.9% completion percentage under first year head coach Mike Elko who took Duke from a 5-7 team in 2021 to a 9-4 team in 2022.
Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU Projected Round 5th Round

2023 Season Recap The 6-4 210 lb Jayden Daniels has 2,294 passing yards, 22 passing touchdowns, 515 rushing yards, 4 rushing touchdowns, 2,809 total yards, 26 total touchdowns, 3 interceptions, and a 73.1% completion percentage in 7 games against Florida State, Grambling, Mississippi State, Arkansas, Ole Miss, Missouri, and Auburn in 2023.

Jayden Daniels SWOT Report

Strengths: Jayden Daniels has the arm strength, throwing power, velocity, athleticism as a duel threat quarterback, and competitive toughness that NFL teams are looking for. Jaydien Daniels can make 1-step, 3-step, and 5-step drops. Jayden Daniels was making up to 3-5 progressions on tape against Mississippi State out of 6.

Weaknesses: Jayden Daniels only makes 1-2 progressions when reading a defense against Florida State as the Florida State game did hurt his stock in the short term. Jayden Daniels has to continue to trust his arm, make accurate throws, and make good decisions as he comes into his own. Jayden Daniels needs to develop his footwork. I want to see Jayden Daniels complete passes with 1-step, 3-step, 5-step, and 7-step drops.

Opportunities: Jayden Daniels may not be a high end starter, but he has the tools to be a high end backup. I have a backup quarterback grade on Jayden Daniels, but having the league leader in receiving yards with Malik Nabers allows Daniels to mask some weaknesses when Daniels and Nabers click. Jayden Daniels needs to go one of the Senior All Star games after the year and dominate that week like Dorian Thompson-Robinson did at last years East West Shrine Bowl if he wants to improve his current projected draft range.

Threats: He only made 1-2 progressions out of 6 versus Florida State, but made 3-5 progressions out of 6 against Mississippi State. He struggled against Arkansas on the road while also losing a shootout to Ole Miss, but you cannot penalize him in either one of those games since he led LSU to a comeback win against Arkansas despite throwing a pick while Ole Miss won a shootout over LSU where the LSU Tigers lost a heatbreaker. There's enough of a ceiling to say he's capable of becoming a high end backup, but not enough potential there to say he's a low end starter on an NFL team. I gave Jayden Daniels a 83/99 potential grade and anything below an 85/99 is a backup grade for me.

Potential Grade: 83/99

Before 2023

Jayden Daniels was a two year starter at Arizona State in 2020 and 2021 showing quite a bit of potential right out of the gate with Arizona State. He transferred to LSU in 2022 and led the LSU Tigers to an SEC Championship appearance with former Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly in Jayden Daniels first year at quarterback with the LSU Tigers after leaving Arizona State. A signature year in 2023 could get Jayden Daniels picked by an NFL team.
Joe Milton, QB, Tennessee Projected Round 5th Round

2023 Season Recap The 6-5 235 lb Joe Milton has 1,264 passing yards, 10 passing touchdowns, 173 rushing yards, 4 rushing touchdowns, 1,437 total yards, 14 total touchdowns, 4 interceptions, and a 61.5% completion percentage in 6 games against Virginia, Austin Peay, Florida, UTSA, South Carolina, and Texas A&M.

Joe Milton SWOT Report

Strengths: Joe Milton has the best arm strength, throwing power, and velocity of any quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft. Joe Milton can play in a shotgun spread offense, a vertical offense, or a balanced run first offense. Joe Milton has thrown completions 70-90 yards downfield in practice. He's the one quarterback in the NCAA that may have a better arm than Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen. Joe Milton beat out Hendon Hooker for the starting quarterback job at Tennessee in 2021 before he got injured against Pittsburgh.

Weaknesses: Joe Milton has an incredible arm, but is a massive project everywhere else. His accuracy needs to improve on all ends with short, medium, and deep passes. His progressions and footwork also need refining. He also doesn't have a game where he's thrown for 300 passing yards despite having an amazing arm. Joe Milton will do okay as a backup in any offensive scheme outside of a west coast offense.

Opportunities: I had a fifth round grade on Joe Milton. This is largely due to his arm talent.

Threats: My dad went to Tennessee and my mom actually watched the Texas A&M VS Tennessee game when I was watching Oregon VS Washington. I texted my mom to get intel on Joe Milton and her reply was not great. This pretty much assures me that Joe Milton is a day 3 prospect and a hard pass before the fourth round and a pass for me before the fifth round.

Potential Grade: 80/99

Before 2023

Joe Milton actually beat out Hendon Hooker for Tennessee's starting quarterback job in 2021. Joe Milton got injured against Pittsburgh at Neyland Stadium before losing the starting quarterback job to Hooker. With the Detroit Lions drafting Hendon Hooker in the 2023 NFL Draft, Joe Milton is now Tennessee's starting quarterback once again.
Austin Reed, QB, Western Kentucky Projected Round 6th Round

2023 Season Recap The 6-2 220 lb Austin Reed has 1,915 passing yards, 16 passing touchdowns, 89 rushing yards, 3 rushing touchdowns, 2,004 total yards, 19 total touchdowns, 4 interceptions, and a 59.2% completion percentage in 7 games against South Florida, Houston Christian, Ohio State, Troy, Middle Tennessee State, Louisiana Tech, and Jacksonville State in 2023.

Austin Reed SWOT Report

Strengths: Austin Reed has the arm strength, throwing power, and velocity you want an NFL quarterback to have. He makes throws where the short accuracy, medium accuracy, and deep accuracy is there.

Weaknesses: Austin Reed only knows one NFL scheme the shotgun spread offense. His footwork and mechanics are also extremely inconsistent to the point where his ceiling may max out as a third string quarterback in the NFL. He also has to cut back on interceptions after throwing 11 in his first year as an FBS starter at Western Kentucky in 2022.

Opportunities: Austin Reed is my only quarterback with a sixth round grade. Two years ago, I said Bailey Zappe was nothing more than an NFL backup and stood by that statement. Now I feel like Austin Reed is the first of two quality third string quarterbacks you can get in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Threats: Austin Reed is a project in terms of footwork and mechanics. He also only knows one offensive scheme. Austin Reed has the arm and accuracy to develop into an NFL backup, but he has to go to an NFL team with an established quarterback, offensive coordinator, and quarterbacks coach where he can learn and grow for a year or two before being thrown into the fire right out of the gate if he wants to develop from a third string quarterback to an NFL backup.

Potential Grade: 77/99

Before 2023

Austin Reed had 4,089 passing yards, 40 passing touchdowns, 6 rushing touchdowns, and 46 total touchdowns as a true freshman on West Florida while leading West Florida to a Division 2 Championship in 2019. After Bailey Zappe graduated, Austin Reed transferred to Western Kentucky.

Austin Reed had 4,744 passing yards, 40 passing touchdowns, 224 rushing yards, 8 rushing touchdowns, 4,966 total yards, 55 total touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and a 64.6% completion percentage in his first year as Western Kentucky's starter in 2022. Austin Reed was also the 2022 New Orleans Bowl MVP.
Will Howard, QB, Kansas State Projected Round 7th Round

2023 Season Recap The 6-5 245 lb Will Howard has 1,310 passing yards, 9 passing touchdowns, 227 rushing yards, 6 rushing touchdowns, 1,537 total yards, 15 total touchdowns, 7 interceptions, and a 58.1% completion percentage in 6 games against Southeaastern Missouri State, Troy, Missouri, Central Florida, Oklahoma State, and Texas Tech in 2023.

Will Howard SWOT Report

Strengths: Will Howard has the arm strength, short accuracy, medium accuracy, and deep accuracy that you want from a quarterback He can play in a shotgun spread offense or a balanced run first offense as those are the two offensive schemes he could develop from a third string quarterback to a backup in. He led Kansas State to a 2022 Big 12 Championship Game win. His upside is slightly higher than 2022 seventh round pick Skylar Thompson, but that's not saying much. Howard showed some promise against Missouri in 2023 despite being extremely inconsistent in some of the film I've watched.

Weaknesses: Will Howard still has to refine his footwork and mechanics. Howard has a really strong offensive line. He will not work in a west coast offense or a vertical offense in the NFL.

Opportunities: Will Howard is my only quarterback with a seventh round grade and the final quarterback in my top 20. Other quarterbacks that warrant honorable mentions as UDFAs include K.J. Jefferson, Devin Leary, Taulia Tagovailoa, and Grayson McCall who got off to a god awful start in 2023.

Threats: Will Howard got injured earlier in the season. He's been rotating snaps with the backup quarterback on Kansas State despite his massive frame.

Potential Grade: 76/99

Before 2023

Will Howard had 1,633 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns, 4 interceptions, and a career long 80 yard pass after taking over as the starting quarterback for Skylar Thompson in 2022. Will Howard could be a riser for the 2024 NFL Draft with a strong senior season in 2023.

2024 NFL Draft: Quarterback Rankings

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