Where Do Caleb Williams, 2024 NFL Draft's Top QBs Rank in B/R Scouting Dept. Era (2024)

The NFL draft is approaching, and you've probably heard numerous views on how the 2024 class stacks up against each other, especially the quarterbacks.

However, to put in context how guys like Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels project to the next level, how do they stack up against the last few crops of signal-callers?

This year will be the fourth draft that the Bleacher Report Scouting Department has evaluated and graded incoming rookies. So, using its final big boards from 2021, 2022 and 2023 along with the current version, let's dive into a top-10 ranking of QB prospects over the last four years.

One important note: Each player's grade and ranking is based solely on B/R's evaluation of them as a prospect and has not been altered based on how they've performed in the pros. With that, there will be some hits and a fair share of swings and misses.

Jayden Daniels (Grade: 7.6)

While Daniels has been touted as the second-best quarterback and, in some places, the No. 2 player overall, B/R isn't quite as high on him. The LSU product currently holds a second-round grade and ranks 31st overall, primarily due to his build and mediocre arm talent.

J.J. McCarthy (7.5)

McCarthy might be one of the more interesting QBs in this year's class as how highly he's rated seems to depend on who you talk to. He's only a couple of spots and one-tenth of a point behind Daniels for B/R, but the Michigan product is a project whose processing could use some work.

Bo Nix (7.2)

While Nix might be a fringe first-rounder for most, he's closer to the second- and third-round range for B/R. The Oregon product ranks 62nd overall due to questionable footwork and ability to find answers out of structure when his first read is taken away.

Spencer Rattler (7.2)

While Rattler still didn't crack our top 10, the scouting department does seem to be higher on him than most. The fifth-year senior is listed as the seventh quarterback and 78th player overall on NFL Mock Draft Database's consensus big board but is QB6 and 66th overall for B/R.

Michael Penix Jr. (6.9)

Here's where the department's rankings really go against the consensus. Penix could end up being a first-round pick and has been consistently mocked no later than on Day 2. But his injury history, age and lack of touch push the Washington product down to a fourth-round grade and the seventh quarterback on B/R's board.

Bryce Young (2023 Grade: 8.2, QB3)

Last year's quarterback class was so strong that the top pick in the draft was just the third-best player at the position, according to B/R. Bryce Young still ranked 16th overall and made the cut for this list, primarily due to his combination of processing and playmaking ability.

"He is a sharp processor, though slightly less so in 2022 than in 2021, and understands how to play within the rhythm of a concept," offensive skill position scout Derrik Klassen wrote in his scouting report. "He has a great understanding of which throws aren't open and how to avoid forcing the ball.

"That skill bleeds into his ability as a playmaker. Once Young decides a play is broken, either because of pressure or sticky coverage, he is quick to find an answer. Sometimes that is a timely checkdown, but more frequently it means a play outside the pocket, where his blend of athleticism, creativity and flexible mechanics creates magic."

However, Young's size—specifically, his weight—was a concern that differentiated him from other smaller quarterbacks, according to Klassen.

"Size issues are worrisome as is, but it is especially so considering Young has no elite physical tools to help overcome them," he wrote. "Kyler Murray, for example, had similar concerns, but he had a much stronger arm and better athletic ability."

So far, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick hasn't lived up to the hype with the Carolina Panthers, but they have been active this offseason to improve his supporting cast.

Desmond Ridder (2022 Grade: 8.4, QB1)

The 2022 quarterback class was a rough one. Despite the position being the most valuable spot on the roster, only one passer received a first-round grade from the scouting department and it wasn't Kenny Pickett, who was the only Day 1 quarterback selected.

Instead, Desmond Ridder wore B/R's QB1 crown and was ranked as the 17th prospect overall due to his pocket-management and mental-processing skills.

"Even though he is a plus athlete with very good speed who is a weapon on designed quarterback runs, Ridder prefers to do his damage from the pocket," Nate Tice wrote in his scouting report.

"Ridder also shows an advanced pre-snap operation, adjusting protections and moving his teammates around as needed in a calm manner. His processing also shows up when progressing on passing concepts.

"He keeps his eyes downfield and shows the ability to truly get through multiple read plays. When paired with his very good pocket movement, he is able to get to the correct throw on a variety of different passing plays."

Ridder's arm strength was also considered a plus, but a couple of his weaknesses proved to be bigger problems than previously thought; accuracy issues and a propensity to do too much.

As the Falcons' starter this past year, he threw as many interceptions as touchdown passes (12) and ranked 28th among qualifying quarterbacks with a 64.2 completion percentage.

In hindsight, the Cincinnati product's grade might have gotten a boost from being in such a weak class overall.

Anthony Richardson (2023 Grade: 8.5, QB2)

To a certain degree, last year's NFL Combine proved that Anthony Richardson was a unique quarterback prospect. At 6'4" and 244 pounds, he was one of the most physically impressive players there, and he earned a perfect 10 RAS, which was highlighted by a 4.43-second 40-yard dash and a 40.5-inch vertical.

The Florida product was impressive on the field in college as well, where that jaw-dropping athleticism was combined with good pocket management.

"Richardson will walk into the league with top-five speed, explosiveness, and contact balance for the position," Klassen wrote in his scouting report. "He is very effective as a designed runner, particularly on plays that get him on the perimeter.

"Richardson is also a terrifying and creative scrambler. Not only is he quick to react to pressure and explosive enough to free himself from their clutches, but he's got a good eye for making plays both in congested areas or outside the pocket.

"When all of those athletic tools are paired with Richardson's blistering arm strength, there's no denying he is the most talented quarterback in the class."

Accuracy and inexperience were the biggest reasons why the one-year starter didn't earn an even higher grade during last year's draft cycle. Unfortunately, he didn't get to dispel that narrative as a rookie after landing on injured reserve with a sprained AC joint a little more than a month into last season.

Richardson will need to learn to project himself moving forward, and he could become one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the NFL if he does.

C.J. Stroud (2023 Grade: 8.6, QB1)

This is where the scouting department gets to puff its chest out a bit.

While most outlets had Bryce Young as the top quarterback and others pushed Anthony Richardson ahead of Stroud last spring, B/R stood firm and had the eventual Offensive Rookie of the Year at the top of the position group.

C.J. Stroud also ranked as the sixth-best prospect overall, primarily due to his mental-processing skills.

"Stroud is a task-oriented passer and a very good one," Klassen noted in his scouting report. "Pre-snap, Stroud does well to identify potential blitzes, decipher man vs. zone tells and anticipate early weak spots in coverage."

While the Ohio State product might not have shown the arm strength of someone like Richardson, the No. 2 overall pick's ability to spin it stood out as well.

"His rapid-fire throwing motion and ample arm strength make it easy for him to deliver on those opportunities as well," Klassen continued. "Stroud can comfortably rip the ball to the far hash for deep comebacks, out-breakers and back-shoulders balls as well as deliver into tight windows over the middle to complete seam-benders, posts and dig routes.

"There isn't a throw Stroud can't make when in rhythm, and his high-end flashes of touch placement are better than anyone else's in the class."

The biggest reasons why he isn't higher on this list are because he didn't come across as a "natural playmaker" and struggled when the picture changed post-snap.

However, the 22-year-old has already shown plenty of growth in both of those areas, and he may surpass even his biggest supporter's expectations.

Zach Wilson (2021 Grade: 8.7, QB4)

Before his turbulent time with the New York Jets, Zach Wilson showed elite talent and play-making ability at BYU to warrant a top-10 ranking on B/R's 2021 NFL draft board.

"He has the arm talent to consistently make throws at all three levels from controlled settings and while off-platform," the BYU product's scouting report read. "He is a good athlete who shows the ability to create and ad-lib plays when initial reads are covered, which is coveted from the QB position in today's NFL.

"Wilson has the utmost confidence in his arm and is not scared to throw into tight windows, even downfield."

That was enough for him to earn the seventh spot overall for the scouting department and become the No. 2 overall pick in what was considered a loaded QB class at the time.

However, the weaknesses listed in the report referenced above became the bigger story of the 24-year-old's professional career.

"He will still need to improve on his timing, ball security, and when to learn to tone down the aggression and be a quarterback instead of a thrower," the report added.

"He showed confidence in concepts he ran often (mesh, mirrored routes) but would sometimes be lacking the ability to progress on infrequent play calls. ...[He] might take some time to adjust to what he can—and can't—get away with at the NFL level."

That adjustment never came to fruition as Wilson has had several opportunities to become the Jets' quarterback of the future. Instead, he's been the subject of trade rumors during the offseason this spring, and New York is seemingly struggling to find a partner.

Trey Lance (2021 Grade: 8.8, QB3)

The 2021 quarterback class might go down as one of the biggest disappointments in NFL draft history, but there's no denying Trey Lance's ability to run and throw made him an intriguing prospect coming out of North Dakota State.

"Lance has a nice blend of height, weight and build for the QB position, and he plays with smooth and polished mechanics that can borderline on being robotic," his B/R scouting report noted.

"Lance is a good athlete alongside his size and play strength, which makes him a viable weapon on QB run concepts and also makes him a tough body to pull down in the pocket."

Additionally, he had a live arm and could make any throw on the field. However, one could argue that COVID-19 derailed his career more than any other prospect.

It was well-documented how inexperienced he was heading into the NFL, and part of the reason for that is Lance only got to play in one college game during 2020 after the FCS shut down the season. That, plus making a significant jump in competition, was one of the biggest concerns listed in his scouting report.

The No. 3 overall pick did get one season to sit and learn with the San Francisco 49ers, but a broken ankle early in year two paved the way for Brock Purdy to eventually become the 49ers' starting quarterback.

Maybe spending a couple of seasons as the Cowboys' backup will help revive Lance's career as he certainly has plenty of talent.

Caleb Williams (2024 Grade: 9.2, QB2)

The first quarterback from this year's draft class makes an appearance in the top 10, and it might come as a bit of a surprise. While most have Caleb Williams slated as the top signal-caller, B/R gives a slight advantage to Drake Maye.

About a month ago, Klassen gave a detailed explanation of why the North Carolina product sits one spot ahead on the big board. He went over seven traits that he uses to evaluate quarterbacks and gave Maye the advantage on three traits with Williams accounting for two and a couple of pushes.

"It's not just 'winning' more categories that puts Maye over the top for me, though," the scout wrote. "Earning the edge in pocket management specifically is what makes Maye the 1A to Williams' 1B.

"Arm talent and pocket management should be the two non-negotiables for an elite quarterback prospect. A player has to check both of those boxes without hesitation. Both Maye and Williams certainly do, and both are winners in the arm talent department. As such, Maye getting the slight edge in pocket management is the ultimate decider."

Klassen goes on to state that either player is worth the No. 1 overall selection, meaning both are capable of being quality pros. However, when the time comes to get off the fence, B/R's scouting department would lean toward the former Tar Heel.

Justin Fields (2021 Grade: 9.3, QB2)

Coming out of Ohio State, Justin Fields was a dynamic quarterback who could have made a strong case to be the first overall selection if he wasn't competing with Trevor Lawrence.

"[Fields] displays excellent accuracy and good throw power at all three levels," his scouting report read. "Fields is able to change arm slots and throw off-platform while maintaining accuracy. He is tough in the pocket and constantly keeps his eyes downfield while also using his athleticism to make rushers miss in the pocket and generate yards with his legs."

That was why the former Buckeye ranked third overall—Kyle Pitts was second—on B/R's big board, and his legs have proved valuable in the NFL. In 2022, the 25-year-old became just the third quarterback in NFL history to rush for over 1,000 yards and has compiled over 2,200 yards on the ground in three seasons.

However, a couple of Fields' weaknesses coming out of college reared their heads in the pros as his report lists "a tendency to hang onto some of his reads" and that he'll "have to keep improving his mental clock."

During the quarterback's tenure in Chicago, he struggled to see the field and held onto the ball too long, resulting in 135 sacks over three years. Now, it's just a matter of turning that around in Pittsburgh.

Drake Maye (2024 Grade: 9.3, QB1)

The margin between the fourth, third and second spots on this list is razor-thin. As noted, Caleb Williams' and Drake Maye's grades are only one-tenth of a point away from each other. Also, the latter and Fields received the same mark, so the deciding factor simply came down to Klassen's choice.

The former Tar Heel's processing is a little farther ahead of where the Ohio State product's was as a prospect, and Maye's arm talent is special and can help open up the playbook.

"Maye's arm talent is the core of his game," Klassen wrote in his scouting report. "He can throw a 100 mph fastball into a tight window over the middle or outside the numbers.

"Maye can also throttle down and put throws where only his receiver can go get it, as well as creating smooth yards-after-the-catch transitions for his receivers on underneath routes. He possesses every club in the bag.

"Maye can do all of that off-platform, too. He has no issue throwing without a proper base under him or when he's falling away from pressure. Likewise, Maye can really spin it when he's on the move, both on rollouts and when scrambling."

The North Carolina product will have to keep his "Superman Syndrome" in check at the next level, but he has plenty of tools to become a good pro for many years to come.

Trevor Lawrence (2021 Grade: 9.6, QB1)

The top quarterback on this list should come as no surprise.

After leading Clemson to a national championship as a true freshman during the 2018-2019 campaign, Trevor Lawrence pretty much cemented his status as the top quarterback and prospect in the 2021 draft class.

He was widely considered the best player at the position to come out of college since Andrew Luck in 2012 and for good reason, there wasn't a box that the former Tiger didn't check.

"Trevor Lawrence has all the tools and makeup to live up to the expectations of a generational franchise quarterback," his B/R scouting report stated.

"Lawrence is the complete package of size, arm talent, athleticism and intangibles. Although he played in a very simple offense in college, his ability to deliver top-tier throws at all three levels with a variety of touch and consistent placement is something that translates to any offense."

Whether the 24-year-old has lived up to the billing at this stage in his career is up for debate. But he managed to make a Pro Bowl in just his second season, and Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke said at the combine that the two sides have already begun discussing a contract extension.

In the B/R scouting department era, Marvin Harrison Jr. (9.7) is the only player to receive a higher grade than Lawrence, and the quarterback is tied with 2023 Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. for the second-best mark.