What should we make of the quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft? Six quarterbacks were selected in the first 12 picks. One way or another, this will be a quarterback class we've talked about for a long time. Of course, any debate about whether any of the six will ultimately be considered among the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history is far-fetched.
Who compares 2024 quarterbacks to current QBs?
However, the QB comparisons for this year's class can begin. Instead of worrying about the Allen vs Mahomes debate, we wanted to look at who the quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft remind us of today's NFL Draft.
Only time will tell if things turn out that way, but here are some early QB comparisons for the 2024 class.
Caleb Williams – Patrick Mahomes
Although it's undeniable, some have compared Caleb Williams to superstar Patrick Mahomes. Of course, it would be foolish to think that any rookie could come close to replicating what Mahomes did. However, Williams has a lot of arm talent and has shown outside-of-the-pocket improvisation skills that make some people think of Mahomes.
Keep in mind that Williams won the Heisman in 2022 and has elite potential at the next level, so it's not a far-fetched comparison, even if it sets Williams' bar impossibly high.
Jayden Daniels – Lamar Jackson
With his tendency to be a better runner than a passer, it's hard not to look at Jayden Daniels as a younger version of Lamar Jackson. Certainly, early in his career, Jackson was that type of quarterback. To his credit, Daniels continued to improve his completion percentage in college, especially after transferring from Arizona State to LSU.
Meanwhile, he also ran for over 3,300 yards over five college seasons. In fact, his most rushing yards came last season when Daniels rushed for over 1,100 yards despite also passing for over 3,800 yards. This makes it hard not to see him looking similar to Jackson coming out of college.
Drake May – Justin Herbert
With his size, arm strength and impressive numbers in college, it's not hard to compare Drake May to Justin Herbert. May is not quite as tall as Herbert. He's also much better with his legs while Herbert is better off standing in the pocket.
But May is certainly a much better passer than a runner and can pick teams off the pocket.
Michael Penix Jr. – Tua Tagovailoa
There aren't a lot of left-handed quarterbacks in the NFL, so it's hard not to compare Michael Penix Jr. to Tua Tagovailoa. But these companies are about more than just being left-handed.
Penix and Tagovailoa both have great arm strength and throw a great deep ball. Also, they are both a bit undersized and show some elusiveness outside of the pocket without running quarterbacks as they are both wise to avoid taking too many hits.
JJ McCarthy – Kirk Cousins
Ironically, JJ McCarthy draws a strong comparison to Kirk Cousins, his predecessor in Minnesota. Of course, McCarthy is more athletic and mobile than Cousins, who rarely escapes the pocket.
But McCarthy fits the mold of a trustworthy game manager who will not only blow you away with talent but will also limit his mistakes and let his receivers do the work. Cousins has made a good living off of this type of player, so there's nothing wrong with McCarthy following that path.
Bo Nicks – Dak Prescott
Sean Payton clearly sees a little bit of Drew Brees in Beau Nix. But among current quarterbacks, the Knicks compare best to Dak Prescott.
They're about the same height, although Prescott is much more powerful and muscular. One could say that both the Knicks and Prescott are at their best when they are on the move. Both can extend runs in order to find receivers while also scrambling to pick up yards.
It's fitting that Prescott was overlooked as a fourth-round pick while some thought the Knicks were within reach. 12 overall. Like Prescott, the Knicks believe he has critics who he will try to prove wrong.
