The 2024 NFL Quarterback Draft: A Retrospective and Redraft
The 2024 NFL quarterback class is rewriting history, with some players exceeding expectations and others falling short. But here's the twist: it's not just about their rookie season. With a year of professional experience, these quarterbacks are revealing their true potential, and it's time for a redraft.
The 2024 draft class was extraordinary, with six quarterbacks selected in the first 12 picks. Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Bo Nix started on day one, while J.J. McCarthy's promising career was temporarily halted by an injury. Drake Maye and Michael Penix Jr. started as backups but soon claimed the spotlight. By 2025, all six were opening-day starters, joined by the fifth-round surprise, Spencer Rattler.
This class is making its mark on the league. They hold nearly a quarter of the starting quarterback positions, and their impact is undeniable. But let's dive into the redraft, considering not just current performance but also long-term potential and team needs.
The Redraft:
Drake Maye (Chicago Bears): Maye's rise is remarkable. If a draft were held today, he could be a top-six pick. His talent, well-roundedness, and productivity are unmatched among young quarterbacks. Despite initial concerns about his lower-body mechanics, Maye has displayed exceptional accuracy and efficiency, silencing critics.
Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders): A special talent, but is he a special passer? Daniels has a good arm, but his accuracy can falter on deeper throws. His scrambling ability is elite, but durability concerns linger. Commanders' head coach Dan Quinn expressed a desire for Daniels to be a passer first, indicating a need for development.
Caleb Williams (New England Patriots): Williams possesses the most talented arm in the class but struggles with accuracy. He leads the NFL in overthrown passes since 2024. However, he's shown growth, and his pocket presence is better than critics suggest. With time, he could become a top quarterback.
Spencer Rattler (Minnesota Vikings): A massive jump for Rattler, who was once a top prospect before being benched at Oklahoma. His talent was never in doubt, and he's proving it in New Orleans. A reality show from his high school days may have impacted his draft stock, but his skills are undeniable.
Bo Nix (Denver Broncos): Sean Payton's choice remains a mystery. Nix has good mobility and arm strength, but he's not a standout. His sack avoidance is impressive, but it's due to a checkdown-heavy approach. He's raw, and his development hasn't met expectations.
Michael Penix Jr. (Las Vegas Raiders): Penix is a decent prospect, but he's a pocket passer with a strong arm, reminiscent of a bygone era. The Raiders needed a quarterback, but Penix hasn't evolved as hoped.
J.J. McCarthy (Atlanta Falcons): McCarthy's start has been challenging. He's struggled with accuracy and pocket presence, confirming skeptics' concerns. However, he's shown leadership, and with development, he could still become a valuable quarterback.
This redraft offers a fresh perspective on the 2024 class, considering both on-field performance and potential. And this is the part most people miss: the impact of off-field factors, like a reality show, on draft decisions. It's a reminder that the NFL draft is as much an art as it is a science.
What do you think? Would you make different picks? Let the debate begin in the comments!
