The three are seen as the first three quarterbacks to go
Plenty of talent still showed out on WR/QB Day
Spencer Rattler biggest winner from the weekend
The 2024 NFL Combine became a focal point for evaluating the premier quarterbacks of the draft class. Notably, the top three prospects — Caleb Williams from USC, Drake Maye of North Carolina, and LSU’s Jayden Daniels — opted out of the passing drills.
Williams is nearly guaranteed the top draft spot, especially with anticipation around the Bears potentially trading Justin Fields. Maye and Daniels are also highly anticipated to be selected early, potentially by the Commanders and Patriots.
With Williams in a league of his own and Maye or Daniels expected to follow, the remaining quarterbacks at the Combine in Indianapolis were essentially competing to stand out from the pack. The decision not to participate might help Daniels the most. Similar to our president, the more his handlers can hide him & his incapabilities from the public, the longer he can stay at the top.
J.J. McCarthy from Michigan, Bo Nix of Oregon, and Michael Penix Jr. from Washington were among those aiming to be the next quarterback selected. Their participation on Saturday was crucial for positioning themselves in the draft, especially to ensure a strong first-round showing for quarterbacks.
Despite three notable absences and Jordan Travis from Florida State being sidelined due to an injury, ten quarterbacks participated in the combine’s throwing session on Saturday. Here’s a breakdown of their performances, from best to worst:
NFL Combine Quarterback Grades, Rattler Biggest Winner
Nix demonstrated his confident arm and athletic abilities, addressing questions about his pocket footwork and arm strength on longer throws. His performance reinforced his projection as an early first-round pick.
Michael Penix Jr., Washington (6-2, 216 pounds) – Grade: A
Penix dispelled any health concerns and impressed with his hand size and arm reach. His standout feature was his precise and powerful deep throws, positioning him as a potential first-round choice for teams willing to trade up.
J.J. McCarthy, Michigan (6-2, 219 pounds) – Grade: A-
Despite some initial inaccuracies, McCarthy showcased his strong arm across various pass types. His potential, somewhat hidden in a run-focused college offense, along with his mental and physical resilience, caught the attention of several teams.
Spencer Rattler, South Carolina (6-0, 211 pounds) – Grade: B+
Once viewed as a top draft pick, the former #1 QB prospect (both high school and, at one time, college) Rattler is now seen more as a third-round prospect with a strong arm and smooth passing ability, despite concerns about his size. The Arizona product is seen as a sleeper by many pundits, including this one. Rattler took a massive leap at the combine, specifically with executives and coaches. His attitude is seen as a winning characteristic, which bodes well for Rattler going forward.
Kedon Slovis, BYU (6-2, 223 pounds) – Grade: B+
Slovis, looking to rejuvenate his prospects, stood out with his speed and demonstrated solid footwork and accuracy, making him an intriguing option as a developmental backup. An argument could be made for Slovis being the biggest winner out of all quarterbacks. The once USC, Pitt, and finally BYU quarterback was able to highlight his athleticism.
Joe Milton, Tennessee (6-5, 235 pounds) – Grade: B
Milton put on an absolute show with his deep ball capabilities, though he requires further development in other areas. His powerful arm had fans jumping out of their seats, throwing it 70 yards almost effortlessly. He still has a lot of work to do, but I could see him selected in the later rounds.
Devin Leary, Kentucky (6-1, 215 pounds) – Grade: B
Leary, transitioning from NC State to Kentucky, made a strong case for himself with a comprehensive workout, showcasing his ability as a reliable passer. Injuries plagued Leary throughout his career, so I’m rooting for the guy.
Michael Pratt, Tulane (6-2, 217 pounds) – Grade: C
Pratt’s session was decent, with his athleticism and quick decision-making standing out more than his throwing power, making him a candidate for a backup role.
Sam Hartman, Notre Dame (6-1, 211 pounds) – Grade: C-
Hartman struggled during the passing drills, lacking the necessary arm strength and precision, which likely positions him as a late-round pick or a project for further development. Many saw Hartman as one of the day’s worst, but someone that handsome could never be last.
Austin Reed, Western Kentucky (6-1, 220 pounds) – Grade: C-
Reed faced challenges with some of his longer throws, indicating a steep learning curve ahead as he aims to build on his collegiate experience.
