QB Carousel: Who’s in, who’s out of the 2024 NFL scouting combine
Feb 27, 2024, 8:45 AM | Updated: 8:51 am
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 18: Caleb Williams #13 of the USC Trojans drops back and looks to throw a pass during the first half of a game against the UCLA Bruins at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 18, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images)
The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine is officially upon us!
Of course, the topic of conversation in Indianapolis surrounds the quarterback position. The 2024 class has quite a few names at the top of the list, including presumed No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams. The USC product is joined by five other gunslingers who could be selected in the first round this April.
But the question remains: Will he, or the other top prospects at the position, put their talents on display this week?
Have not done a deep dive into the Draft QBs yet. But – similar to last year when I thought CJ Stroud was the clear cut top guy – from everything I’ve seen so far, it’s Caleb Williams and then the rest.
— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) February 26, 2024
Who’s In?
Michael Penix Jr. – Washington – SR
The Pac-12 star QB has officially announced his intent to participant in the combine this week. A good showing at Lucas Oil stadium could mean a rise on the draft boards for the 20th overall prospect on Pro Football Focus’ Big Board.
Penix, 23, flourished in his two years at UW, throwing for 9,544 passing yards. He also scored 74 total touchdowns with only 19 interceptions. The Florida native went 25-3 with the Huskies, making the 2024 National Championship game.
Penix projects to be a bit of a work in progress at the NFL level. He may need some time to develop for the first year or two of his NFL career.
But the talented QB has a cannon of an arm, and some of the intangibles that makes the position coveted.
Bo Nix – Oregon – SR
Another Pac-12 standout, Bo Nix will throw at the 2024 combine. A good performane could see a rise up the draft boards for the () overall talent on PFF’s big board.
Nix, 26, transferred from Auburn to Oregon two years ago, and never looked back.
The once highly-shaky QB turned critics around playing for the Ducks, putting 8,101 passing yards in two seasons. He also had a whopping 95 total TDs, while throwing only 10 INTs.
Nix is seen as a promising talent at this time. But he also has drawbacks, including his age (24). Some general managers will overlook that due to his production in his final two years in school.
He’s a project, but one that could be a high-level starter at some point.
J.J. McCarthy – Michigan – JR
The 2024 National Champion QB will be throwing this week for NFL scouts, looking to land inside the first 30 selections. He is 57th overall prospect on PFF’s Big Board.
McCarthy, 21, was Jim Harbaugh’s game manager for the wolverines, running the offense to a tee. While his stats aren’t overly impressive (2,991 passing yards and 22 TDs his final season), 72.3% completion is.
The Illinois native projects to be a backup QB entering the NFL, with potential to be a starter one day. That might take a few years however.
Who’s Out?
Caleb Williams – USC – JR
The best prospect in the 2024 class, Caleb Williams will not be participanting at the combine. Instead, he’ll take meetings in Indy, then get ready for USC Pro Day.
Williams, 22, is one of the best QB prospects to come enter the NFL in a decade. A true five-tool player, he can execute the offense at a high level, while making the throws under duress that most teams dream of.
The former Heisman trophy winner finished his college career with 8,170 passing yards and 93 total touchdowns in two years in LA. He only threw 10 picks in that timespan as well.
The D.C. native projects to be a franchise QB in the NFL, expected to be the No. 1 pick, regardless of team.
He’s just that good.
Jayden Daniels – LSU – SR
The 2023 Hesiman winner will also not being throwing at this year’s scouting combine, opting for his Pro Day as well.
Daniels, 23, set the FBS on fire since joining the Tigers. In two seasons, he amassed 6,725 passing yards, 79 total touchdowns and only seven INTs. His 2023 completion rate (72.2) is a career-high mark.
The California native is set to be picked inside the top 10 of April’s Draft, with a ceiling of the Top 3 selections.
Drake Maye – UNC – Redshirt SO
All of the top 3 QB prospects will not be throwing in Indy, with Maye being the last to declare his intentions. He will take part in interviews and only physicals this week.
Maye, 21, is another boon-or-bust talent coming out of North Carolina, except he possesses the most upside out of any of his counterparts.
The Charlotte native played two full seasons as the starting QB, throwing for 7,929 passing yards and 72 total TDs. He also had 16 INTs.
Seen as a project intially at the next level, scouts love his arm talent and prototypical measurements for the NFL game. If you can get the best out of him, he could be a franchise gunslinger for the next 15 years.
Click here for the full NFL Combine schedule, including the time of each group and events.
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