Skip to main content

    2024 NFL Draft: Updated Early QB Rankings

    See how this year's loaded quarterback class stacks up after the first few weeks of the 2023 college football season.

    The hardest thing for an NFL team to find is a true franchise quarterback, but if your favorite club needs one, you're in luck come next offseason.

    The 2024 NFL Draft class appears to be loaded at the game's most important position, with a long list of talented signal-callers who could end up warranting first-round consideration. There was plenty of hype surrounding this group heading into the 2023 season, and through the first few weeks of game action, it's clear those expectations weren't just hype.

    As we look ahead to next year's draft, here's how we restack the top of the quarterback class based on what we've seen so far this season:

    1. Caleb Williams | USC

    USC quarterback Caleb Williams

    Even in such a deep class, Williams remains the clear-cut leader. He's managed to live up to the other-worldly preseason hype coming off last year's Heisman-winning campaign, showing off the rare skills that could make him an immediate superstar at the next level. He's still the slam-dunk No. 1 overall pick, and that's not expected to change anytime between now and next April.

    2. Drake Maye | North Carolina

    North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye

    Maye hasn't put up the gaudy production we've seen from some of the others on this list, but the physical and mental traits of an NFL franchise quarterback are still obvious. He can make every throw to all levels of the field, and doesn't get enough credit for his ability to make plays as a runner. Maye has some worthy challengers for this No. 2 spot, but he's holding onto it for now.

    3. Shedeur Sanders | Colorado

    Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders

    The biggest riser of the entire class, Sanders is proving that what he did last year at Jackson State wasn't just because of the level of competition. Not only is he still putting up ridiculous numbers, Sanders is clearly displaying vital traits that should spell success in the NFL. He thrives in pressure situations, and the game seems like it's in slow-motion for him. It wouldn't be a shock if he leapfrogs Maye for the QB2 spot at some point

    4. Michael Penix Jr. | Washington

    Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

    Yes, there will be NFL teams who don't even give Penix a second look because of his age (he'll be a 24-year-old rookie) and his lengthy injury history. But the actual player on the field is the most dominant quarterback on this list not named Caleb Williams. Penix led the FBS in passing last year, and he's doing it again this year, showing off the arm talent, anticipation and decision-making that should make him a first-round prospect if he can stay healthy.

    5. Cameron Ward | Washington State

    Washington State quarterback Cameron Ward

    It feels like Ward is the forgotten man in this class for many, but I'm gonna keep banging the drum for him. After making the huge leap from Incarnate Word to the Power 5 and not missing a beat last season, Ward has picked up where he left off, completing 72 percent of his passes for 982 yards, nine touchdowns and zero interceptions through three games (including an upset win over Wisconsin for the second straight year). Ward is a dynamic playmaker, both inside and outside of the pocket, and should be getting more attention as a potential first-rounder.

    Best of the Rest

    Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy

    6. J.J. McCarthy | Michigan

    7. Bo Nix | Oregon

    8. Quinn Ewers | Texas

    9. Riley Leonard | Duke

    10. Jordan Travis | Florida State

    11. Jalon Daniels | Kansas

    12. K.J. Jefferson | Arkansas

    13. Sam Hartman | Notre Dame

    14. Spencer Rattler | South Carolina

    15. Tyler Van Dyke | Miami (FL)

    © 2024 ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. - All Rights Reserved. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators’ opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. Gambling content intended for 21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.