What to Expect from Each First-Round Quarterback in 2024

Published: Thursday, July 18, 2024

by Jack Pine

The 2024 NFL Draft was one of the most anticipated drafts in recent memory. It wasn’t the first time six quarterbacks were selected in the first round, but it was the first time six quarterbacks were taken with the first 12 picks. This was also the second time in four years that three consecutive quarterbacks were chosen to begin the draft, and the fourth overall. Quarterbacks continue to be the most coveted athletes in sports, and expectations for this class are through the roof. Here’s what to expect this season from each of these six QBs.

Caleb Williams - USC (Selected 1st overall by Chicago)

Williams was the consensus top pick for over a year. His selection to begin the draft was a formality, but not many thought he would make such a quick impression with the franchise. Head coach Matt Eberflus named Williams the starting quarterback just two weeks after the draft. While it’s clear he is their franchise quarterback for the foreseeable future, publicly giving him the starting role two and a half months before training camp is still a shocker. With the Bears’ offense boasting receiving threats like DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Keenan Allen, and Cole Kmet, Williams will have plenty of options. His first season will be heavily publicized, but Williams looks destined for a Rookie of the Year campaign.

Jayden Daniels - LSU (Selected 2nd overall by Washington)

Washington decided to take Daniels weeks before the draft. Unlike Williams, Daniels was not handed the starting job right away. With the kind of play style that Daniels brings to the table, there’s an argument to be made that he would benefit from playing behind a veteran until he is ready. This has more to do with the state of the Commanders’ roster, though. Washington has one of the weakest rosters in the league, so throwing Daniels into the fire without much help would likely be a nightmare. Daniels probably won’t ride the bench for long, though, as everyone seems antsy to see what the reigning Heisman Trophy winner can do.

Drake Maye - North Carolina (Selected 3rd overall by New England)

It’s a new era in Foxborough, as the Patriots’ organization will be without Bill Belichick for the first time since 1999. Eliot Wolf is now running the show in New England, and he wasted no time making his first pick, needing only five minutes to select Maye. After signing veteran Jacoby Brissett, it looks like Maye will take a seat for a good portion of the season. This will give Maye time to get acclimated to the league and allow the rest of the offense to build some chemistry. When he gets on the field, he’ll likely be throwing to Hunter Henry, Kendrick Bourne, DeMario Douglas, and rookies Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker.

Michael Penix Jr. - Washington (Selected 8th overall by Atlanta)

This was the biggest shocker of draft night, and the pick still doesn’t make much sense. The Falcons had already signed four-time Pro Bowler Kirk Cousins to a massive contract worth $180 million in March. It looked like the quarterback position was locked up and Atlanta could select a top defensive player, like Dallas Turner. When training camp opens, Penix will have his work cut out for him. He will likely be the third-string quarterback behind Cousins and Taylor Heinicke, as Atlanta doesn’t plan on putting Penix on the field much this season.

JJ McCarthy - Michigan (Selected 10th overall by Minnesota)

At one point, the reigning national champion was rumored to be taken as high as number two or three, but that narrative was shot down quickly when draft night began. McCarthy was highly touted by some for his championship pedigree, while others criticized him for being a “game manager” and “handoff merchant.” There might be trouble brewing in Minnesota already, as JJ McCarthy still hasn’t signed his rookie contract, and Minnesota reportedly hasn’t made much effort to get a deal done. When McCarthy eventually signs, he should have a lot of fun with a great receiving corps of Justin Jefferson, TJ Hockenson, and Jordan Addison.

Bo Nix - Oregon (Selected 12th overall by Denver)

Nix has reportedly turned many heads in the short time he’s spent in the Mile High City. Head coach Sean Payton and offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi like what they see so far, so this could be a very interesting storyline to follow as training camp unfolds. Lombardi has liked the quick development of Nix so far, saying Nix “certainly doesn’t feel like a rookie.” Nix will be competing with Zach Wilson and Jarrett Stidham for the starting job. There’s no rush for Nix, though, as Denver probably won’t compete for much this season. If Nix is named the starter, he’ll have Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr., and rookie Troy Franklin as targets.

Jack Pine is a Sports Web Editor and Assistant Sports Director at WSOU 89.5

Jack Pine can be reached at john.pine@student.shu.edu. 

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