NFL Draft | The Quarterback Festival

There are very few certainties in this world, but there is no doubt that the 2024 edition of the NFL draft will mark people’s minds for a long time. This vintage, especially when it comes to quarterbacks, is particularly deep and talented. Overview of the top five choices from an evening that will be remembered.

1 – Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, quarterback, USC

It was obvious, a certainty, an assurance, but it is now official: Caleb Williams is the new face of the Bears. There was very little doubt surrounding this selection, as praise has been showering on Williams since the 2022 season, when he won the Heisman Trophy, awarded to the best American college player. With 72 touchdown passes in his last two seasons in California, the 22-year-old quarterback left no one indifferent. Observers compare him to none other than Patrick Mahomes, but he is more athletic, more agile and faster than the Kansas City Chiefs star. On the outside of his pouch, Williams makes the magic happen. The Bears added reinforcements this offseason with Keenan Allen and De’Andre Swift. And with catcher Rome Odunze selected ninth overall, there will be fireworks in the Windy City.

2 – Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, quarterback, LSU

Here we saw a copy-paste of the 2012 draft, when Washington drafted Robert Griffin III, a mobile, creative and powerful quarterback and reigning Heisman Trophy champion, with one pick inside the top 3. Daniels, from the prestigious University of Louisiana, holds the same attributes and accolades. We only wish Daniels and the Commanders that the knees of their most recent selection don’t turn into spaghetti like those of RGIII. Daniels’ progression has been extraordinary over the past season. He has played a ton of football over the past five years and through his 57 games at LSU and Arizona State, he has shown his full potential. His 40 touchdown passes and only 4 interceptions in 2023 have undoubtedly convinced the Commanders’ staff.

3 – New England Patriots: Drake Maye, quarterback, North Carolina

There weren’t a ton of options left for the Patriots at this point, but Maye’s pick made the most sense. At 21 years old, his potential seems even higher than that of Daniels. The Pats have been comfortable for two decades putting forward pocket quarterbacks. First, Tom Brady. Next up, Mac Jones. One did better than the other. With Maye, the identity remains pretty much the same, as he has a cannon arm, anticipates plays well and can react quickly. But unlike his predecessors, he can also wreak havoc through running. Josh Allen will soon find his clone in the East division of the American. At 6’4″ and 223 lbs, Maye is a tree trunk behind his line of scrimmage. The reconstruction will be long in Boston, but with this selection, the team takes root for a long time.

4 – Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., receiver, Ohio State

No one fell out of their chair there either. The Cardinals have their quarterback in Kyler Murray. The team now had to find someone to catch their passes. And in this draft well stocked in terms of promising receivers, Harrison Jr. stood out from the crowd. In his last two seasons with the Buckeyes, he threw 14 touchdowns and collected more than 1,200 air yards. He is a genius on the tracks and his ability to stand out is exceptional. Obviously, since he is an early pick by the Cards, comparisons to the great Larry Fitzgerald are likely to be frequent for the 6’3″ player. However, if he develops to his potential, he could have a similar impact in Arizona. It wouldn’t be completely far-fetched to compare him to Justin Jefferson or Ja’Marr Chase, two receivers who made their mark quickly and spectacularly.

5 – Los Angeles Chargers: Joe Alt, offensive line, Notre Dame

The Chargers’ pick promised to be the most interesting and intriguing of the first round. Even if many affirm without reservation that the future of the franchise is assured at the quarterback position, we must remain realistic. Justin Herbert, despite his obvious talent and clear potential, has yet to deliver the way he was supposed to, even on a resource-rich team. This is why we need to supervise it even better. Choosing a receiver would have made sense. But so is setting your sights on the best offensive lineman in the draft. Joe Alt impresses with his build, at 6’9″ and 321 lbs, but he is even more spectacular on the field. He moves well and quickly at the line of scrimmage, and while his size can play tricks on him in tight spaces, he has excellent hand play. With Alt, Herbert will benefit from time and space.