Ourlads Archives

2024 Draft Preview - Quarterbacks

Dave Syvertsen
10/25/2023 2:45PM ET

1.  Williams, Caleb*

USC   6010   215

Three-year starter, Washington, DC. Heisman Trophy winner 2022, AP Player of the Year, and unanimous All-America. Dual threat that followed Head Coach Lincoln Riley from Oklahoma. In year one at USC, set the program’s all-time single season record for total offense and touchdowns. Has rare ability to create going off platform when protection breaks down. Maintains elite arm strength on the move, creating tremendous torque from his thick lower half. Has a low heartbeat in pressure situations and can slow things down around him while maintaining next level speed himself. Can deliver accurate passes from various release points to avoid defenders. Can put the ball on a rope to all levels. At times bails out on the pocket before it's neccessary. Too much backyard football will get him trouble and needs to clean up the immediate process from the pocket.

 

2. Daniels, Jayden

LSU  6040  210

Five-year starter, San Bernardino, CA. Spent three seasons at Arizona State where he became the first true freshman in school history to start a season opener. Versatile and dynamic threat capable of abruptly firing a missile downfield or tucking the ball and reaching top speed in a blink at any moment. Has a fast forward element to his game, but maintains a high level of smoothness and ease. Twitchiness shows up with his release as well. Gets the ball out fast and in rhythm consistently. Also knows when to extend the play and displays great vision and anticipation. A good decision maker with a lot of experience. Slender body type can be an issue with the extra hits he takes and still has the occasional lapse in concentration that will show up.

 

3.  Maye, Drake*

North Carolina   6040    225

Two-year starter, Huntersville, NC. ACC Rookie of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year, and Player of the Year in 2022, his first season atop the depth chart. Manning Award finalist tied the single season school record with 38 passing touchdowns in addition to leading the team in rushing. The plus-athlete maneuvers the pocket with precise footwork and a sturdy overall base. Mechanics from top to bottom are repeatable and natural, maximizing his accuracy and ball placement to all levels of the route tree. Scans the field, makes plenty of anticipation throws, and will guide receivers to open space. Needs to avoid drifting backward from top of his drop back and the occasional wide miss on simple throws still shows up occasionally.

 

4.  Sanders, Shedeur*

Colorado 6020  215

Three-year starter, Dallas, TX. Transferred to Colorado after a two-season record setting tenure at FSC Jackson State, where he eared first team All America honors and was named SWAC Offensive Player of the Year. A strong, pro body with an arm that has the proper blend of power and accuracy. Will layer the ball between levels of the defense, showing advanced knowledge of coverage schemes and route concepts. Brave with the ball in the pocket, will take hits and remain tough against pressure. A gamer mentality that maintains composure in pressure situations. Will need to learn to play with better timing and sense of when to give up on a play to avoid big losses and turnovers.

 

5.  Penix Jr, Michael 

Washington   6024   221

Four-year starter, Tampa, FL. Earned second team All-Pac 12 honors in both the Big 10 (while with Indiana) and Pac 12 after transferring in 2022. Winner of the 2022 AP Comeback Player of the Year Award. A lefty who can sling and whip the ball all over the field. Can, and will try, to make every throw. Excellent deep ball accuracy and trajectory, very catchable. Has a clean motion when his feet are lined up and plays the game with confidence and swagger that translates to his teammates. Will make plays with his legs and will make fast tuck and go decisions to pick up the sure yards. Too many wide misses on simple throws where he rushes through his lower body mechanics.

 

6.  Ewers, Quinn 

Texas   6020   204

Two-year starter, Southlake, TX. Winner of the Big 12’s Newcomer of the Year Award in 2022 after transferring from Ohio State. Playing in a Steve Sarkisian offense that coincides with growing trends in the NFL. Adept to high volume pre-snap motion and misdirection. Has the ability to change his arm angles and maintain a tight spin on the ball with a slight flick of the wrist. Lost 15 pounds during the 2023 offseason and has elevated the movement components of the position. Internal clock is accurate and plays with a sense of calm urgency. Still showing sloppy footwork at the top of the dropback and needs to improve deep ball accuracy. 

 

7.  Nix, Bo

Oregon   6017   225

Five-year starter, Pinson, AL. Transfer from Auburn where the coach’s son was the first true freshman to start an opener since 1946. Won the SEC Freshman of the Year Award in 2019. Earned All-Pac 12 honors in 2022, his first season with the Ducks in a season where he scored 44 touchdowns, fifth most in FBS and completed 70+% of his passes, a first in program history. A dual threat with strength, speed, and ability to innovate. Deep ball prowess and ball protection have immensely improved since his early days. Has shown maturation and toughness repeatedly over the course of an adversity-filled career. Has seen a lot and improved from mistakes. Arm can make every throw and will use several tempos weekly. Competitor who can win with different tools. Needs to show better accuracy on the move and prove his mental mistakes are behind him.

 

8. McCarthy, JJ* 

Michigan   6030   202

 

9.  Leonard, Riley* 

Duke   6040   221

 

10.  Milton III, Joe

Tennessee   6050   235

 

11.  Travis, Jordan

Florida State  6010    203

 

12.  Hartman, Sam 

Notre Dame   6010   205

 

13.  Ward, Cameron 

Washington State   6013   216

 

14.  Rattler, Spencer 

South Carolina   6001   216

 

15.  Leary, Devin

Kentucky   6010 217

 

16. McCall, Grayson

Coastal Carolina   6021   207

 

17.  Pratt, Michael

Tulane   6024   219

 

18. Reed, Austin

Western Kentucky   6012    222

 

19. Van Dyke, Tyler

Miami   6034   224

 

20. Slovis, Kedon

BYU   6023   217

 

21. Rogers, Will 

Mississippi State   6014   208

 

22.  Jefferson, KJ

Arkansas  6030  247

 

*Denotes Underclassman