The 2024 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a pivotal one, with multiple top quarterback prospects vying for the coveted first overall pick. As teams that struggled in 2023 look to rebuild through the draft, the stakes are high to select a franchise-changing QB.
Cubs and Colts in Prime Position for Top Pick
After finishing 2023 with the worst records in the NFL, the Chicago Cubs and Indianapolis Colts have found themselves in pole position for the #1 overall pick in the 2024 draft.
According to draft analysts, the Cubs and Colts have narrowed their choices down to three top QB prospects:
| Quarterback | College | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Caleb Williams | USC | 4,075 passing yards, 37 TDs, 4 INTs in 2022 |
| Will Levis | Kentucky | 2,406 passing yards, 19 TDs, 10 INTs in 2022 |
| Anthony Richardson | Florida | 2,549 passing yards, 17 TDs, 9 INTs in 2022 |
Caleb Williams, the dynamic junior from USC, has emerged as the consensus top prospect after an outstanding 2022 season where he finished top 5 in Heisman voting. His combination of arm talent, athleticism, and playmaking ability has scouts predicting he could be the next Mahomes or Jackson.
However, there are still questions around Williams’ decision-making and consistency. This has left the door open for Will Levis and Anthony Richardson to make their case to be the first name called in April.
GM Predicts Blockbuster QB Trade in Top 10
In a recent interview, an anonymous NFL GM predicted that a team will aggressively trade up into the 2024 draft’s top 10 picks to select a quarterback.
“With multiple franchises needing a new signal caller, I fully expect a team to jump the line by packaging picks and/or players,” the GM said.
The most logical trade partner appears to be the Seattle Seahawks at #6 overall. After moving on from longtime QB Geno Smith, Seattle is entering a rebuild under a first-year head coach. This makes their pick very expendable if the right offer comes along.
Teams that could attempt to trade up for a QB include the Las Vegas Raiders, Washington Commanders, New England Patriots, and Pittsburgh Steelers. Each squad has an aging or underwhelming current starter at the position.
No matter how the top 10 shake out, the 2024 draft is setting up to be a transforming one for quarterback-needy franchises. The contenders are stacked with exciting prospects to pick from.
Plummeting Dolphins Have Chance to Bounce Back
After a nightmarish six-game losing streak to close 2023, the Miami Dolphins hold the #3 pick in the upcoming draft. This gives the floundering franchise a golden opportunity to turn things around.
According to CBS Sports’ latest mock draft projections, analysts predict the Dolphins will select dynamic Kentucky QB Will Levis. The strong-armed, pro-ready passer would be the perfect replacement for the struggling Tua Tagovailoa.
“Levis to the Dolphins makes too much sense not to happen,” explains NFL Draft expert Shane Falco. “His fearless playing style and vocal leadership are exactly what Miami needs to regain its competitive fire.”
If the board falls a different way, Miami could also target a top defensive playmaker like Clemson’s Myles Murphy or Alabama’s Will Anderson. However bolstering the offense around new Head Coach Dan Quinn must be priority number one.
Small School QB Flying Up Draft Boards
While most of the national spotlight has centered around Caleb Williams and Will Levis, one dark horse quarterback prospect is making noise among scouting circles.
Jayden Daniels, a dual-threat QB from FCS school Sam Houston State, is skyrocketing up draft boards after an outstanding senior season. The slippery runner threw for over 4,100 yards and 44 touchdowns last year, adding nearly 800 yards and 15 scores on the ground.
According to The Athletic’s latest mock draft, Daniels is projected to go #10 overall to the New York Jets. The selection would make him the highest-drafted small school QB since Carson Wentz in 2016.
“Daniels boasts the total package of size, athleticism, and playmaking flair that gets scouts excited,” explains NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah. “Do not be surprised if he is taken much earlier than people expect.”
With his show-stopping pro day ahead in March, Jayden Daniels has all the momentum to continue his meteoric rise up draft boards.
Patriots Face Franchise-Defining Decision
Stuck in mediocrity since Tom Brady’s departure, the New England Patriots face a critical franchise crossroads with the 2024 draft approaching. The team holds the #22 overall pick after missing the playoffs yet again under second-year QB Mac Jones.
According to FanSided, rather than waiting on a QB, New England would be wise to trade down and build around Jones instead:
“The Patriots could swap their pick with quarterback-desperate teams like Seattle, Las Vegas, or Washington to acquire more assets,” explains Pats reporter Dylan Carroll. “Then focus their draft capital on surrounding Jones with elite playmakers to unlock his full potential.”
However, if New England does decide to move on from Jones and make a splash at QB, analysts view Anthony Richardson or TCU’s Max Duggan as ideal Patriots-style targets in the mid-to-late first round. Either prospect would bring a solid baseline of skills for Offensive Coordinator Bill O’Brien to develop.
With major questions facing the franchise both on and off the field, the Patriots’ direction in the 2024 draft could define the next era in Foxborough. The pressure is on for Head Coach Jerod Mayo and GM Dave Ziegler to nail this critical crossroads.
Small School WRs Set to Strike Gold
While most draft attention focuses on the high-profile quarterback battle up top, a pair of small-school wide receivers are set to strike gold early as well.
Utah State’s Justin McGriff and SMU’s Roderick Daniels Jr. have both enjoyed outstanding pre-draft processes thus far. The talented pass-catchers dominated both the Senior Bowl showcase and NFL Combine drills, proving themselves more than capable of succeeding at the pro level.
McGriff especially has scouts buzzing after running a blazing 4.33 forty time, showcasing precision route-running chops, and impressing with his competitive moxie against top competition.
“Do not be surprised if both McGriff and Daniels come off the board much earlier than people expect,” explains former NFL scout and current NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah. “Teams in need of playmakers are falling love with these small-school studs.”
Both receivers have seen their draft stocks soar into potential top-50 consideration. In a draft dominated by quarterback intrigue up top, players like McGriff and Daniels could end up the hidden gems of the early rounds.
Packers Face Critical Rebuild in 2024
After suffering another early playoff exit, the Green Bay Packers entered the 2024 offseason at a crossroads following Aaron Rodgers’ retirement. Luckily, the team holds two late first-round picks after last year’s blockbuster trade with the Dolphins. This gives the storied franchise tremendous flexibility in replenishing its barren roster through the draft.
According to LombardiAve.com’s Jess Blanchard, Green Bay would be smart to explore multiple avenues with its pair of back-to-back 20-something picks. Targets could include USC receiver Jordan Addison, Florida edge rusher Brenton Cox, or even grabbing Rodgers’ eventual successor in Miami’s Tyler Van Dyke.
No matter which direction Green Bay decides to go at the end of round one, its consecutive selections promise to dictate the next era of Packers football in the post-Rodgers world. GM Brian Gutekunst faces intense pressure to nail these vital picks.
With a new regime on the horizon, the 2024 draft presents Green Bay its first chance to rebuild its depleted roster and turn the page. How the team handles its pair of late 1st-rounders will set the tone.
Seahawks and Jets Set for Franchise-Altering Picks
Holding premium selections inside the top 12, both the New York Jets (#11) and Seattle Seahawks (#6) find themselves in prime position to land foundational players that could alter their franchises’ trajectories for years to come.
With a roster brimming with young talent after two strong draft classes, the Jets are widely expected to use the #11 pick as one final cornerstone piece. According to TheJetPress.com, New York could have its choice of elite left tackle prospects Evan Neal or Paris Johnson to protect last year’s top pick QB Garrett Wilson for the next decade. Either blue-chip lineman would complete the Jets’ young core and accelerate their rebuild timeline.
Similarly, after moving on from Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner over the last year, Seattle now boasts a war chest of premium picks and cap space to orchestrate a quick overhaul. The #6 overall selection presents a golden opportunity to land Wilson’s heir apparent and kickstart the reconstruction under new coach Jim Harbaugh.
“I’ll be stunned if the Seahawks don’t take a quarterback,” comments NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah. “With talent like [Anthony] Richardson and [Will] Levis possibly available, the chance to grab a franchise signal-caller would be too good to pass up.”
Whichever directions John Schneider and Joe Douglas decide to go with their premium picks, the 2024 draft stands poised to shape the next generation for both the Jets and Seahawks franchises.
Conclusion: 2024 Sets Stage for NFL Transformation
With a loaded quarterback class set to reshape several franchises and critical rebuilds underway for traditional powerhouses like New England, Green Bay, and Pittsburgh – the 2024 draft stands primed to transform the NFL landscape for years to come.
How the dominoes fall on April 27th promises to dictate the next era for multiple struggling squads longing to rekindle past glory. For talent-needy teams like Chicago, Indianapolis, Miami, Seattle, and New York – the pressure to nail their premium first round selections has never been higher.
One thing remains certain: by the time Commissioner Roger Goodell announces the final name of Round 1, the course of multiple NFL franchises will be forever changed.
To err is human, but AI does it too. Whilst factual data is used in the production of these articles, the content is written entirely by AI. Double check any facts you intend to rely on with another source.
