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There has never been a draft quite like the 2024 NFL Draft when it comes to quarterback picks.
Six QBs were selected in the first round, which tied the record from 1983.
And all six of them went in the first 12 picks.
They were all Week 1 starters for the 2025 NFL season, an accomplishment for a group which next has the task of sticking around for the long run.
Two of them meet in Week 2 on Sunday Night Football when the Atlanta Falcons and Michael Penix Jr. take on the Minnesota Vikings and J.J. McCarthy.
It's a good excuse to revisit the 2024 NFL Draft's QB action.
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QBs in 1st round of 2024 NFL Draft
A record-tying six quarterbacks went in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, all in the top-12 picks. They were:
- No. 1: Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears
- No. 2: Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders
- No. 3: Drake Maye, New England Patriots
- No. 8: Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons
- No. 10: J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings
- No. 12: Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
Now here's a look at each of those six picks.
Why did the Bears draft Caleb Williams No. 1 overall in 2024?
Caleb Williams appeared to have the most upside entering the 2024 NFL Draft out of USC.
He has traits that resemble Patrick Mahomes in his athleticism and ability to throw off-platform.
Williams may not have looked like a polished NFL QB at USC, but he looked like a guy who could grow into a superstar.
Why did the Commanders draft Jayden Daniels No. 2 overall in 2024?
Jayden Daniels won the Heisman Trophy at LSU, which is about as good an endorsement as you can get.
He's a smaller guy, but he is incredibly accurate and a great runner of the football, too.
The Commanders needed their QB of the future, so they chose Daniels.
Why did the Patriots draft Drake Maye No. 3 overall in 2024?
Maye came out of North Carolina as the ACC Player of the Year.
He was a great athlete who could throw and run.
The big concern that kept Maye behind the other two was a bit of inconsistency as a passer, but his peak talent was enough to get the Patriots' attention.
Why did the Falcons draft Michael Penix Jr. No. 8 overall in 2024?
This was the most controversial of the picks, because Atlanta had just signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract.
Penix, coming off a massive final season at Washington, was too enticing for them to pass up.
The Falcons figured they'd have a QB of the present and a QB of the future both on their roster, and that the changing of the guard would happen when it was time.
Why did the Vikings draft J.J. McCarthy No. 10 overall in 2024?
The Vikings had let Cousins go and were looking toward the future.
McCarthy showed all the traits at Michigan to be an NFL QB.
His main concern was that the Wolverines ran the ball a ton, limiting McCarthy's overall college reps.
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Why did the Broncos draft Bo Nix No. 12 overall in 2024?
Nix came into the draft with ample college experience, first at Auburn and then at Oregon.
That intrigued Sean Payton, as he figured Nix was a guy who could step in and be ready to play.
Nix may not have possessed the high-end traits of some of these other QB prospects, but in the end, he got picked in the top half of the first round, too.
The 2024 NFL Draft QBs, 1 year later
McCarthy missed his rookie season with a knee injury, while Penix only played in a couple games at the end, so they both will be slower for judgment.
Daniels won Rookie of the Year, and Nix led the Broncos to the playoffs, both big successes.
Williams and Maye both showed flashes of immense talent but were also inconsistent and erratic.
It'll take more time before these decisions are fully graded, but it's fun that all six guys are starting now and can start making names for themselves.
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