Mel Kiper evaluates sleeper quarterbacks in 2024 NFL Draft
For those following the 2024 NFL Draft process, names like Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, JJ McCarthy, Michael Penix and Bo Nix are well-known as potential takes in the first three rounds. However, there’s a group of sleeper quarterbacks to watch this year that you may not know yet, according to ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.
Discussing possible options for the New York Jets, who don’t need a starter at quarterback now that they have Aaron Rodgers back, Kiper revealed his top picks for a late-round option next month.
Kiper’s top sleepers
“The guys that are going to be in that mix are Spencer Rattler from South Carolina, he’s certainly got the arm talent, had some really good games at South Carolina after transferring in there,” Kiper said. “Michael Pratt from Tulane, he’s not going to wow you over with any great trait but he’s a winner, he elevated that program. He beat Caleb in a bowl game two years ago.
“Doesn’t have great arm strength but he’s accurate and he’s a good decision-maker. He can beat you with his legs, run and get the first down for you and keep the drive alive. Probably a fifth, six or seventh-round guy that you would take a chance on at that point. Rattler will probably go a little higher.”
“Joe Milton‘s got the arm strength, he can throw the ball 75 yards but the accuracy, decision-making with him needs to improve… He’s a day three quarterback but if you’re going to roll the dice on a big arm, it’d be him,” Kiper continued.
“Jordan Travis at Florida State had a really good year until he got hurt. Carter Bradley, Gus’s son, he’s an over-achiever, he finds a way. He’s kind of like a Michael Pratt, late in the draft could be a possibility.”
The quarterbacks Kiper named rank No. 7 (Rattler), No. 8 (Pratt), No. 9 (Travis), No. 11 (Milton) and No. 13 (Bradley) in ESPN’s post-combine quarterback rankings for the 2024 NFL Draft. Other sleepers at QB include Notre Dame’s Sam Hartman and Westn Kentucky’s Austin Reed.
More on the 2024 NFL Draft
The 2024 NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Michigan, with the first round on Thursday, April 25, the second and third rounds on Friday, April 26, and the fourth through seventh rounds on Saturday, April 27.
The three-day event will be broadcast throughout the weekend on ESPN and NFL Network.