The 2024 NFL Draft begins on Thursday, April 25. As is the case in most years, the top of the draft is expected to have teams looking for their quarterback of the future. The Chicago Bears hold the number one pick and are all but assured of selecting USC quarterback Caleb Williams.
The Bears aren’t expected to be the only team leaving the first round with their quarterback of the future. With that in mind, here is our mock draft projecting which QBs will be selected in the first round and where they will land.
Caleb Williams, USC — Chicago Bears, No. 1
It feels like Williams should have already been looking at real estate in Chicago with how locked into this pick he has been. Chicago trading back or not selecting Williams here would be one of the biggest draft-day shocks in recent memory.
Drake Maye, UNC — Washington Commanders, No. 2
Washington has been firm in its stance: It is staying put with the second pick. The Commanders traded away Sam Howell to Seattle this offseason, so they need a new quarterback under center. They’ve been linked to Jayden Daniels, but I think they transition from one Tar Heel to another and select Maye, who isn’t a dual-threat quarterback like Daniels but, with the right development, could be the better passer in the long term.
Jayden Daniels, LSU — New England Patriots, No. 3
The Patriots traded Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars but brought back a familiar face in Jacoby Brissett. If the Commanders do indeed pass on Daniels, I don’t think he falls past three. The reigning Heisman winner is the best dual-threat quarterback in the class and will help open up the team’s offense. New England will need to bring in a new pass-catcher for Daniels, even as soon as the end of the first round via a trade backup, but Daniels here makes the most sense.
J.J. McCarthy, Michigan — Minnesota Vikings, No. 11
I’m not as high on McCarthy as analysts, and I’m not convinced that he gets drafted in the first round. But, assuming there is merit in the information analysts have given out over the last few months. he will hear his name called in the first. With the Denver Broncos and the Las Vegas Raiders looming behind them, I don’t think the Vikings need to trade up to get McCarthy, and he falls into their laps at 11.