ESPN predicts which teams select the top 8 quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft

As the pre-NFL Draft process gets underway, all eyes are on the quarterbacks. The top of the board could get interesting as the Chicago Bears hold the No. 1 overall pick for the second straight year – although this time, the pick is coming from the Carolina Panthers.

Chicago’s decision gets much harder considering Caleb Williams sits there for the taking. The former USC star is widely viewed as the top player in the draft, and although the Bears have Justin Fields on the roster, there are still questions about what they’ll do. That decision was one part of ESPN’s predictions for the top eight quarterbacks in the draft, with analysis from beat writers for each team.

The next few months will feature plenty of discourse about where each of the top quarterbacks will go. With the calendar now flipped to February, ESPN has made its initial predictions.

1. Chicago Bears — Caleb Williams, USC

Caleb Williams took the college football world by storm in 2022 as he won the Heisman Trophy, but his late-season struggles still created some cause for concern. His numbers were still impressive – 3,633 yards and 30 touchdowns with 142 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns – and he remains the heavy favorite to go No. 1 overall.

Chicago can either trade Fields or draft Williams as it assesses its long-term future. Ultimately, ESPN’s Courtney Cronin projected the Bears would do the latter with new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron in tow and trade Fields to the Las Vegas Raiders for a second-round and a seventh-round selection.

2. Washington Commanders – Drake Maye, North Carolina

The debate for the second quarterback off the board starts with Drake Maye, who put together a solid career at North Carolina. With the Washington Commanders sitting at No. 2 overall on the draft board, they could have the opportunity to move on from Sam Howell for another UNC product – albeit one with a different skillset.

Maye’s size and arm strength stand out, and his ability to make plays is also impressive. While Washington still has to hire a head coach to replace Ron Rivera, ESPN’s John Keim predicted the Commanders would ultimately take Maye at this point.

3. New England Patriots – Jayden Daniels, LSU

The reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Jayden Daniels presents an interesting case. He led the nation in total offense while starring for LSU this past season, and he could easily go No. 2 overall to the Commanders because he can make plays with both his arm and his legs.

If he’s on the board at No. 3, ESPN’s Mike Reiss said Daniels could have a similar effect to the one C.J. Stroud had with the Houston Texans this year. While Marvin Harrison Jr. could be an option for receiver, Daniels would provide a jolt at quarterback, especially since ESPN predicted Jacoby Brissett would sign with New England to serve as a veteran backup in this scenario.

39. New York Giants – Michael Penix Jr., Washington

After the top three picks, there could be a big gap between quarterback selections on the draft board. And while Michael Penix Jr. put up monster numbers over the last two seasons at Washington, he has some factors that could impact how NFL teams view him.

Penix’s injury history is a big reason he could fall down the board, but the Giants could be in a position to take a chance on him because of the Daniel Jones situation. He tore his ACL this year, and if he doesn’t bounce back, Penix would be an option for Brian Daboll because of his deep-ball ability.

42. Minnesota Vikings – J.J. McCarthy, Michigan

J.J. McCarthy easily could’ve gone to the Giants, but ESPN instead predicted him to go three picks later to the Minnesota Vikings. In this scenario, Kirk Cousins would re-sign, meaning the former Michigan star would be coming in as a backup and help him hone his skills a bit more.

McCarthy put together an impressive career at Michigan and was a key part of the Wolverines’ national championship this past season under Jim Harbaugh. By learning from a veteran like Cousins, McCarthy be on a long-term development track under the watchful eye of Kevin O’Connell.

74. Atlanta Falcons – Bo Nix, Oregon

Once again, there’s another big gap between quarterbacks in ESPN’s predictions. At No. 74 overall, the Atlanta Falcons would take former Oregon star Bo Nix, giving them another mobile quarterback – but with a twist.

In their predictions, the crew of writers projected the Falcons would sign Russell Wilson for three years. That would mean Nix and Desmond Ridder would compete for the backup job, and if Nix won, he’d be the heir apparent behind Wilson once his contract expires.

76. Denver Broncos – Michael Pratt, Tulane

Assuming the Broncos release Wilson, and all signs point to it, Denver would be in the market for another quarterback with slim draft capital. In the third round, ESPN predicted the franchise would take Michael Pratt out of Tulane, although he could easily fall into the later rounds.

Pratt put together an impressive career with the Green Wave, but he has some work to do to get ready for the next level. That’s why a situation in Denver could work out for him, and the Broncos would be able to take a risk on him with a mid-round pick.

84. Pittsburgh Steelers – Jordan Travis, Florida State

It’s likely Jordan Travis would’ve gone higher on the board if not for a leg injury that ended his 2023 season. However, he still looks ready to end up in the league – and ESPN predicted him to go to a unique situation with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mike Tomlin has already said 2024 will be a big year for Kenny Pickett, but he stressed the need for competition. Travis would present a high-upside pick for Pittsburgh to push Pickett in a possible quarterback competition, especially with his ability to make plays in the pocket.

The NFL Draft is still over two months away, meaning there’s plenty of time for movement in the mock drafts and projections. Still, the picture is slowly starting to come into focus as the pre-draft process gets going with the Senior Bowl this weekend.