2024 NFL draft prospect rankings: Quarterbacks

— 5. J.J. McCarthy (Jr., Michigan, 6-2, 219)

McCarthy was the No. 5 quarterback in the 2021 class and played hockey from kindergarten to his freshman year of high school, which explains his toughness. He compiled a 63-3 record as a starter in high school and college, winning a state title in Illinois and leading the Wolverines to their first national title this century. He led a run-heavy, pro-style offense for the national champions in Ann Arbor, but he's flashed impressive arm talent, especially with intermediate throws, with big-play ability as a thrower and runner when called upon. There's no panic in the pocket, but he can get locked onto his primary read. His decision-making took a step forward last season, but it will need to continue improving in the pros. I was hard-pressed to find a modern QB prospect drafted in the first round who panned out, but whose offense in college didn't completely revolve around them. The only comps statistically I could come up with was Alex Smith and Kerry Collins, but Smith's legs made him the primary weapon for Utah, and the college game has changed significantly since Collins was under center almost three decades ago. Simply put, McCarthy requires more projection than usual for a prospect being considered in the top 10 since he hasn't been asked to do a lot of the things his peers have on a consistent basis. That being said, there's a lot to work with here and McCarthy's intangibles, his championship mettle and ability to ramp up his focus late in games and on third downs, can't be discounted. Projected: Top-15

— 6. Bo Nix (Sr., Oregon, 6-2, 214)

Nix was the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback in the 2019 class. He has come a long ways from his underwhelming days at Auburn. The Heisman finalist and William V. Campbell Trophy (Academic Heisman) winner improved his game almost across the board, showcasing better decision-making and accuracy, while maintaining his play-making ability off-platform. He's adept at moving, avoiding, extending and running if he has to, which he might need to do often as a 24-year-old rookie. Nix broke Mac Jones' FBS record for single-season completion percentage (77.4%) last season, but almost 30% of his passes were thrown behind the line of scrimmage. The Ducks' offense doesn't sync up with the NFL, but his quick release, strong ball-security and toughness certainly will. Projected: Rounds 1-2

— 7. Spencer Rattler (Sr., South Carolina, 6-0, 211)

Rattler was the No. 1 pro-style quarterback in the 2019 class, spending three seasons with Oklahoma before transferring after being benched in favor of Caleb Williams. Rattler's pocket presence has improved dramatically from his days in Norman. He was a two-time team captain for the Gamecocks after gaining a reputation for immaturity early in his collegiate career. (Hmmm, kids being immature when they first get to college? Weird.) Behind a banged-up offensive line, Rattler threw for the third-most passing yards (3,186) in school history last season. He's an accurate, fundamentally sound QB with decent arm talent, but he's almost played exclusively in a shotgun system. Rattler will turn 24 in September. Projected: Rounds 3-4

— 8. Michael Pratt (Sr., Tulane, 6-2, 217)

Pratt is four-year starter and three-year team captain who has improved every season in New Orleans. His arm talent won't wow you, but he throws a very catchable ball. Pratt is lacking top-tier physical traits, but he's developed a nice feel for the game and offensive coaches will appreciate his efficiency, decision-making and light feet in the pocket. Projected: Rounds 3-4

— 9. Devin Leary (Sr., Kentucky, 6-1, 215)

The former four-star recruit was a team captain in Lexington and at North Carolina State before transferring. Leary created legitimate buzz with the Wolfpack after breaking Philip Rivers' single-season record for TD passes (35) in 2021. He suffered a torn pectoral muscle in his right (throwing) shoulder the following season. In the SEC, only Jayden Daniels topped Leary in TD passes (25) in 2023, but he also led the conference in interceptions (12). Every throw comes with extra mustard, so there's big-play potential. He was one of four Power 5 passers with at least eight completions of 50-plus yards last season, but his accuracy suffers as a flame-thrower. Leary will turn 25 in September. Projected: Rounds 5-7

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