2024 NFL rookie quarterbacks: Team fits, roles, projections

Eleven quarterbacks were drafted in the 2024 NFL draft, and six of them were selected in the first 12 picks -- a common draft era record (since 1967). Five of them have clear paths to starting this season, while others could be future options and/or reliable backups.

How does each quarterback fit with his new team? We took a closer look at what's next for all 11 draft picks. NFL draft analyst Jordan Reid made sense of each quarterback's scheme fit and how they could excel in the pros, while our NFL Nation reporters focused on each QB's expected role with his new team. And for first-rounders, Reid picked one area where the passer could lead the league in short order, while fantasy football analyst Mike Clay projected rookie-year stat lines.

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First-rounders | Midrounders
Late-rounders

First-rounders

Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears

Why he fits in Chicago: Trading Justin Fields to the Steelers in March meant all signs pointed to Williams becoming the No. 1 pick, and it's no surprise that the rookie has already been named the Week 1 starter in Chicago. Williams' ball placement, anticipation and creativity make for a perfect fit in new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron's scheme. This offense will be predicated on accuracy and consistently playing on time, so Williams' urge to constantly make highlight-worthy plays will be tested -- but when protected, Williams can play in rhythm and dominate. And he will have a great supporting cast around him. -- Reid

How the Bears can set him up for success: Long before he arrived for rookie minicamp and was instantly named QB1 by Bears coach Matt Eberflus, Williams was already learning the fundamentals of Chicago's offense, including the cadence to drops under center, route concepts and verbiage that he's expected to master. Since meeting with Bears coaches at his pro day and again during his visit to Halas Hall nearly two months ago, Williams has been working with his private quarterbacks coach on elements of Waldron's offense that will make his transition easier when the full squad gets together for OTAs.

Plus, Chicago signed receiver Keenan Allen, running back D'Andre Swift and tight end Gerald Everett, and then drafted wideout Rome Odunze at No. 9 overall. That gives Williams plenty of playmakers to find in the pass game. -- Courtney Cronin

The area he could lead the league in five years: Touchdown passes from outside the pocket. His off-script ability will likely translate to the pros, as he can break down defenses once he gets outside the pocket. Williams has the mobility to escape and then the vision and creativity to generate explosive plays through the air. His 11 touchdown throws from outside the pocket led the FBS in 2023. -- Reid

Clay's 2024 projection: 3,532 passing yards, 23 touchdown throws, 13 interceptions (311 rushing yards, three touchdown runs)

Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders

Why he fits in Washington: Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury is now calling plays under coach Dan Quinn, and Daniels has a similar skill set to the QBs with whom he has had success in the past. Expect this Washington offense to resemble what Kingsbury ran in Arizona with Kyler Murray -- and that should suit Daniels well. The rookie can get the ball to all areas of the field, and the passing game should feature plenty of formations that involve three or four wide receivers designed to attack down the field. With Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson on the perimeter, Daniels already has two dependable pass-catchers at his disposal.

But designed QB runs will also be an underrated element of this scheme. Daniels ran for 1,134 yards last season, and he can bring that added dynamic to the offense. -- Reid

How the Commanders can set him up for success: The Commanders wanted to reduce the immediate burden on Daniels by building a stronger defense and emphasizing the run game with key interior line signings like center Tyler Biadasz and guard Nick Allegretti. They also signed veteran tight end Zach Ertz and running back Austin Ekeler to help him transition to the NFL game.

For the long term, Washington has to fortify its tackle play and strengthen its offensive playmaking -- there are questions about the receiving and tight end depth for the future. Dotson, a first-round pick in 2022, needs to become more of a threat in the passing game. Drafting a tight end (Ben Sinnott), tackle (Brandon Coleman) and receiver (Luke McCaffrey) on Day 2 will help the supporting cast. -- John Keim

The area he could lead the league in five years: QB rushing yards. Daniels immediately steps into the NFL as one of the best dual-threats at the position, alongside Lamar Jackson and Justin Fields. He was the only ball carrier in the country to average more than eight yards per carry in 2023 (8.4), as Daniels is an explosive runner who can gain yards in bunches. -- Reid

Clay's 2024 projection: 3,457 passing yards, 16 touchdown throws, 14 interceptions (577 rushing yards, five touchdown runs)

Drake Maye, New England Patriots

Why he fits in New England: This New England roster is still in the early stages of retooling personnel, but the Patriots are an ideal landing spot for Maye since he can grow with the team over time here. If offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt carries his scheme over from his time in Cleveland, we can expect Maye to primarily play from under center with heavy doses of play-action and on-the-move throws. But Jacoby Brissett is also on the depth chart, meaning Maye might be afforded time to become familiar with those types of pre-snap platforms. With his high-end arm strength, Maye has the skill set to attack the intermediate and deep portions of the field. -- Reid

How the Patriots can set him up for success: Members of the personnel department and coaching staff have said they learned a great lesson from what unfolded the past two seasons with Mac Jones, and the team is determined to chart a different course. That's why the Pats signed Brissett, who has 48 games of starting experience, to be the No. 1 if they determine Maye needs more time. Furthermore, they used seven of their eight picks on offensive players -- including WRs Ja'Lynn Polk (second round) and Javon Baker (fourth round) -- with the idea they can grow together. -- Mike Reiss

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The area he could lead the league in five years: Passing yards. I see plenty of arm strength in Maye's game, and he isn't afraid of taking chances with the ball. That gunslinger mindset has its high and low moments, but the passers who typically rank at the top of the league in passing yards share that competitive identity. Maye can make all the throws, and his 7,929 passing yards over the past two seasons rank fifth in the FBS. -- Reid

Clay's 2024 projection: 3,378 passing yards, 17 touchdown throws, 13 interceptions (331 rushing yards, three touchdown runs)

Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons

Why he fits in Atlanta: The Penix selection caused a stir, but Atlanta seemingly wanted insurance for its $180 million investment in Kirk Cousins. With off-the-charts intangibles and one of the strongest arms in the class, Penix has ready-made tools to be a great NFL deep-ball passer.

Coach Raheem Morris and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson both come to the Falcons after spending the previous five seasons with the Rams, so we can expect some concepts similar to what Sean McVay runs in L.A. -- and the explosive arm and downfield accuracy of Penix fits well with such a scheme. What is still unclear is exactly when Penix might see game action. -- Reid

How the Falcons can set him up for success: His tenure in Atlanta started off bumpy. Cousins was obviously frustrated and confused that his successor was acquired before he even took a live snap for the team. So one of Morris' greatest challenges for the next several years will be managing the relationship between these two quarterbacks. An open line of communication will be key for all parties involved. Any controversy could be tumultuous. -- Marc Raimondi

The area he could lead the league in five years: Completions on throws at least 20 yards downfield. Penix was exceptionally accurate in those third-level areas at Washington, completing a nation-leading 46 throws of 20-plus air yards during his final college season. Expect that skill set to shine in the Falcons' scheme. -- Reid

Clay's 2024 projection: 471 passing yards, four touchdown throws, two interceptions (15 rushing yards)

J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings

Why he fits in Minnesota: Minnesota didn't re-sign Kirk Cousins and chose to turn the page to McCarthy, who now enters a great situation for a young passer. Yes, the Vikings' scheme can be challenging and asks a lot of the quarterback, but the surrounding talent should ease McCarthy's transition. After all, Justin Jefferson is running routes for this Minnesota offense. And the Vikings led the NFL in under-center passing plays (207 dropbacks) and play-action snaps (217) last season, two categories where McCarthy had plenty of experience in Michigan's scheme.

For the time being, Sam Darnold might be a veteran placeholder under center, buying some time for McCarthy to transition to the pro game and prepare to take over. -- Reid

How the Vikings can set him up for success: The Vikings have built an infrastructure to minimize the chance of McCarthy having to play before he's ready. The plan features Darnold, whom the Vikings paid $10 million to provide credible-enough snaps in the meantime. And whenever McCarthy does enter the lineup, he'll drop into a talented offense that will include pass-catchers Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson. The advantage of presumed continuity of offensive playcalling, via coach Kevin O'Connell, should also not be discounted.

Ultimately, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said, the team is committed to ensuring "our hands are clean" during McCarthy's early stages. -- Kevin Seifert

The area he could lead the league in five years: QBR on play-action. Efficiency off these concepts is a strength of McCarthy's game, and Minnesota runs a lot of it. He's comfortable turning his back to the defense and resetting his eyes prior to making throws. His 90.4 QBR and 76.3% completion rate on play-action ranked sixth and seventh in the country, respectively, last season. -- Reid

Clay's 2024 projection: 3,527 passing yards, 20 touchdown throws, 13 interceptions (197 rushing yards, two touchdown runs)

Bo Nix, Denver Broncos

Why he fits in Denver: This was a common prospect-team match during the pre-draft process. With Jarrett Stidham and newly acquired Zach Wilson as the only other QBs on the roster, there was a clear need for a young signal-caller in Denver. Coach Sean Payton has historically preferred passers with pinpoint accuracy, good decision-making traits and the ability to maneuver within the pocket. Nix showed consistency in all of those areas with at Oregon.

There's also this: Attacking the middle of the field is a key part of Payton's offense, and Nix was at his best when making throws to that area of the field last season. His 84.5% completion rate targeting receivers between the hashes led the country, and he recorded 12 of his 45 TD passes (and zero interceptions) there. -- Reid

How the Broncos can set him up for success: The Broncos aren't exactly red carpet-ready for a rookie quarterback to play. They don't have much proven depth across the board, but especially not on the offensive line. They have questions at wide receiver and tight end after trading Jerry Jeudy. There was also a reluctance to run the ball to settle things down last season, Denver underperformed in the red zone, and it was one of the worst teams in goal-to-go situations.

Payton has never had a rookie quarterback in a preseason competition for the starting job. The coach's ability to manage his well-known impatience with poor performance and mistakes while maintaining Nix's confidence and limiting the punishment Nix takes if and when the young quarterback gets the job will be key. -- Jeff Legwold

The area he could lead the league in five years: Completion percentage. Decisiveness and accuracy were the traits that helped Nix catapult his draft stock to first-round status. He led the country in completion rate by almost 4% (77.4%). And in the Denver offense, which revolves around those traits, Nix's ball placement should translate well. -- Reid

Clay's 2024 projection: 3,165 passing yards, 16 touchdown throws, 13 interceptions (190 rushing yards, two touchdown runs)

Midrounders

Spencer Rattler, New Orleans Saints

Why he fits in New Orleans: After Nix went at No. 12, there wasn't another quarterback drafted until Rattler was picked at No. 150 -- 137 picks later, the longest span between QBs drafted during the common draft era. But despite the fall to the fifth round, Rattler landed in a good spot in New Orleans.

Yes, Derek Carr is the unquestioned starter for the Saints, but Rattler's passing ability and poise slot well in offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak's scheme. Those attributes, combined with his proficiency in reading coverages, give him the potential to be a dependable QB2 early on. Rattler will battle with Jake Haener and Nathan Peterman for the backup spot, but the rookie has superior traits. -- Reid

When he could get on the field: Carr's salary is guaranteed through 2025, so he probably won't be unseated anytime soon. Rattler's immediate competition is for Carr's backup spot. The Saints have Haener and Peterman, so the question will be whether they carry two or three quarterbacks on the active roster. Rattler will likely be given every chance to prove himself as a potential starting quarterback in the future, though the Saints haven't given any indication of that timeline. -- Katherine Terrell

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Jordan Travis, New York Jets

Why he fits in New York: New York landed a young developmental quarterback in Travis. Prior to a devastating ankle injury, he was amid a breakout senior season at Florida State. An electric dual-threat playmaker, Travis has great intangibles. And while he's still working his way back from the injury, his mobility, instincts and ability to get the most out of his teammates are all traits that coaches love to have in a backup passer. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Travis have a Tyler Huntley-type career, serving as a high-end backup for more than a decade. -- Reid

When he could get on the field: Travis is not expected to play in 2024. Everything about the decision to pick him was based on the long term. The Jets are hopeful that Travis will be back on the field for training camp, but the plan is to have him sit and learn from Aaron Rodgers and Tyrod Taylor. It's premature to say Travis is Rodgers' heir apparent, though he said he does "think about that a lot."

The Jets see him as a developing quarterback with quick eyes, a compact delivery and the ability to play on schedule even though his strength is making off-platform plays. Travis can learn at a relaxed pace, a luxury the Jets' previous young quarterbacks didn't have. -- Rich Cimini

Late-rounders

Joe Milton III, New England Patriots

Why he fits in New England: Because of his 6-foot-5 size and explosive traits as a passer, Milton was always viewed as a draftable option -- and he joins Drake Maye in New England. Considering that executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf comes from the Packers' tree, and his father, the legendary Ron Wolf, liked to stockpile quarterbacks, it's not surprising to see the Pats draft two passers here.

Milton's arm strength stands out; he can throw the ball 80-plus yards. But can he improve his accuracy? He completed 64.7% of his passes last season, 41st in the FBS, and it has always been the major question mark about his game. His big arm will give enough of a baseline for him to be a coveted backup for multiple years. -- Reid

What will be his role? Milton will be either No. 3 on the roster or on the practice squad (if he clears waivers). Coach Jerod Mayo noted his arm strength and how that could be valuable as a scout-team QB as he develops his skill set behind the scenes. Jacoby Brissett and Maye are locked in, leaving Bailey Zappe and Milton battling for likely one spot -- unless the team takes the unconventional step of keeping four QBs on the roster. -- Mike Reiss

Devin Leary, Baltimore Ravens

Why he fits in Baltimore: Leary had an inconsistent final college season at Kentucky after transferring from NC State. But he is an accurate distributor with a snappy throwing motion, and he ran an offense at Kentucky similar to what offensive coordinator Todd Monken has in place in Baltimore. Leary has experience from multiple pre-snap platforms and with diverse personnel sets. -- Reid

What will be his role? The Ravens made it clear that Leary will be the No. 3 quarterback behind Lamar Jackson and Josh Johnson this season, but they haven't indicated whether he'll be on the 53-man roster or the practice squad. With Jackson being on a big-money deal, Baltimore hopes Leary can become the No. 2 QB next season and turn into another Tyler Huntley, who served as an inexpensive primary backup for the previous three years while on his rookie contract. "Devin is a quarterback that we see as a viable backup over time," Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said. -- Jamison Hensley

Michael Pratt, Green Bay Packers

Why he fits in Green Bay: It was surprising to see Pratt still on the board heading into the seventh round, and the Packers drafted a Day 3 signal-caller for a second consecutive year (Sean Clifford in 2023). An on-time and in-rhythm passer, Pratt is a clean operator from the pocket. His ability to create plays outside of structure will never be a factor that scares NFL defenses, though, which limits his ceiling. -- Reid

What will be his role? The Packers weren't unhappy with Clifford, but the theme of their offseason was adding competition -- so why not extend it to the QB2 position? Of Pratt, quarterbacks coach Tom Clements said, "He's smart, he picks things up quick, he's diligent ... he's athletic enough and he can throw." The third quarterback will probably end up on the practice squad, so even if Pratt doesn't beat out Clifford, he'll likely be around. -- Rob Demovsky