QB-only NFL mock draft includes 4 at the top and Aaron Rodgers gets an understudy later

Where does each signal-caller end up? Here are our projections in a 7-round mock draft of quarterbacks.

Quarterbacks rule everything in the NFL, including the draft. Of course, it doesn’t hurt when there is major intrigue at the position going into the 2024 NFL Draft (and the 2025 QB prospects aren’t great). That is certainly the case this year, as there are four major quarterback prospects projected to come off the board early on draft weekend.

How many quarterbacks will be drafted in the first round? Could it break the all-time record set in 1983?

We’re going to conduct a quarterback mock draft through the seven-round process. Here we go:

First round

1. Caleb Williams, USC, Chicago Bears:
At this point, it would be stunning if the Bears don’t select Williams. Now, let’s see if he can live up to his lofty expectations.

2. Jayden Daniels, LSU, Washington Commanders:
The Commanders could go in a few directions, but Daniels seems like a safe choice. His ceiling is endless and Washington should look his way.

3. Drake Maye, North Carolina, New England Patriots:
Yes, the Patriots are sending the message that the No. 3 pick is available and they could move it if the price gets stupid-good enough. But, in the end, they will likely keep the pick and take Maye. Even if the pick is traded, Maye will probably slot here.

4. J.J. McCarthy, Michigan, Minnesota Vikings:
The Vikings didn’t load up with picks just to stand pat. They will be aggressive and they look up the promising McCarthy after a trade with the Arizona Cardinals.

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28. Bo Nix, Oregon, Denver Broncos:
The Broncos, who need more than just a quarterback, trade down from No. 12 with the Buffalo Bills. Nix is the first of the second-tier quarterbacks to go off the board. Coach Sean Payton gets a quarterback he can build around.

30. Michael Penix, Washington, Las Vegas Raiders:
The second tier continues with another trade. The Raiders (who bypass the position at No. 13) trade up with the Baltimore Ravens and take Penix. He is no sure thing, but he has big skills and he could has a chance to be a nice pro for the Silver and Black.

Third round

70. Spencer Rattler, South Carolina, New York Giants:

The third tier begins as Rattler would be a great choice here early in the third round. If Daniel Jones flops, Rattler will be waiting.

Fourth round

103. Michael Pratt, Tulane, New Orleans Saints:

The hometown kid makes sense as he could be groomed to be Derek Carr’s replacement. This is worth a trade up with the Minnesota Vikings.

134. Jordan Travis, Florida State, New York Jets:

Travis is a heck of a prospect. If he weren’t injured late last season, he’d be taken much higher. This is a perfect fit and he can slowly come along and be a potential replacement for Aaron Rodgers.

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Fifth round

174. Joe Milton, Tennessee, Dallas Cowboys:

With Dak Prescott’s future unclear, the Cowboys could land another insurance policy in the form of this big-armed prospect on Day Three.

Sixth round

179, Sam Hartman, Notre Dame, Seattle Seahawks:

The Seahawks could try to take a quarterback such as Rattler much earlier, but Hartman has a chance to develop under Geno Smith and see what happens.

187. Taulia Tagovailoa, Maryland, Atlanta Falcons

Tua’s little brother is a good developmental choice for the Falcons to groom under Kirk Cousins.

Seventh round

246. Devin Leary, Kentucky, Tampa Bay Buccaneers:

Another Day Three consideration for the future.

254. Kedon Slovis, BYU, Los Angeles Rams:

Sean McVay could have fun working with a young prospect under Matthew Stafford.