Get to know the QBs Patriots could select in this year’s NFL Draft

While Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye appear to be the most likely, there are many possibilities.

Jayden Daniels won the Heisman Trophy last year. Sarah Stier/Getty Images

March 24, 2024

3 minutes to read

The Patriots have the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 in NFL Draft, and it appears very likely they’ll use that pick to select a quarterback.

Or, they could potentially trade back and select a QB later in the draft.

USC’s Caleb Williams, LSU’s Jayden Daniels, and UNC’s Drake Maye are the consensus top-three QBs this year, with Williams widely regarded as the No. 1 option. Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, Oregon’s Bo Nix, and Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. are also viewed as potential first-round picks.

While Maye appears to be the most likely to end up in Foxborough – and it’s highly unlikely Williams will still be around unless they trade up – anything is possible in the NFL Draft.

Here’s a closer look at all six prospects.

Caleb Williams

Bio: 6-1, 215 pounds, from Washington, D.C., one year at Oklahoma and two at USC.

Stats: 333 for 500, 4,537 yards, 42 TDs, 5 INTs, plus 113 carries for 382 yards and 10 TDs, in Heisman Trophy 2022 season. 266 for 388, 3,633 yards, 30 TDs, 5 INTs, plus 97 carries for 136 yards and 11 TDs, last year.

Expert comment: “Williams makes off-platform plays for the highlight reels and has the potential to become one of the top quarterbacks in the league,” – NFL Media’s Chad Reuter.

Potential strengths: Long passing, mobility, decision-making.

Potential question marks: Height, release speed.

Highlights:

Jayden Daniels

Bio: 6-4, 210 pounds, from San Bernardino, California, three years at Arizona State and two at LSU.

Stats: 266 for 388 for 2,913 yards, 17 TDs, 3 INTs, plus 186 carries for 885 yards and 11 TDs, in 2022. 236 for 327, 3,812 yards, 40 TDs, 5 INTs, plus 135 carries for 1,134 yards and 10 TDs, in Heisman Trophy 2023 season.

Expert comment: “Daniels’ rushing ability and fundamentals give him a high floor as a player who can put a ton of stress on a defense,” – Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema.

Potential strengths: Speed, instincts, versatility.

Potential question marks: Weight, arm strength.

Highlights:

Drake Maye

Bio: 6-4, 230 pounds, from Huntersville, North Carolina, three years at UNC.

Stats: 342 for 517, 4,321 yards, 38 TDs, 7 INTs, plus 184 carries for 698 yards and 7 TDs, in 2022. 269 for 425, 3,608 yards, 24 TDs, 9 INTs, plus 112 carries for 449 yards and 9 TDs, in 2023.

Expert comment: “Maye’s strength in the pocket and all-around skill set scream NFL starter,” – Reuter.

Potential strengths: Size, arm strength, accuracy.

Potential question marks: Decision-making, inconsistency.

Highlights:

J.J. McCarthy

Bio: 6-3, 202 pounds, from La Grange Park, Illinois, three years at Michigan.

Stats: 208 for 322, 2,719 yards, 22 TDs, 5 INTs, plus 70 carries for 306 yards and 5 TDs in 2022. 240 for 332, 2,991 yards, 22 TDs, 4 INTs, plus 64 carries for 202 yards and 3 TDs, in national championship season last year.

Expert comment: “McCarthy has a slender frame, a live arm, and the functional speed to make plays out of structure and in the run game,” – The Ringer’s Danny Kelly.

Potential strengths: Poise, elusiveness, versatility.

Potential question marks: Weight, risk/reward, ball placement.

Highlights:

Bo Nix

Bio: 6-2, 217 pounds, from Pinson, Alabama, three years at Auburn and two at Oregon.

Stats: 294 for 409, 3,593 yards, 29 TDs, 7 INTs, plus 89 carries for 510 yards and 14 TDs, in 2022. 364 for 470, 4,508 yards, 45 TDs, 3 INTs, plus 54 carries for 234 yards and 6 TDs, last year, third in Heisman race.

Expert comment: “Good creation ability outside the pocket. Willing to break structure; plays with eyes downfield,” – Bleacher Report’s scouting department.

Potential strengths: Highlight-reel throws, vision.

Potential question marks: Footwork, sturdiness.

Highlights:

Michael Penix Jr.

Bio: 6-3, 213 pounds, from Tampa, Florida, four years at Indiana and two at Washington.

Stats: 362 for 554, 4,641 yards, 31 TDs, 8 INTs, plus 35 carries for 92 yards and 4 TDs, in 2022. 363 for 555, 4,903 yards, 36 TDs, 11 INTs, plus 35 carries for 8 yards and 3 TDs, last year, second in Heisman race.

Expert comment: “Rocket-armed left-handed thrower with elite drive velocity and high-end arm elasticity,” – Pro Football Network’s Ian Cummings.

Potential strengths: IQ, accuracy, arm strength.

Potential question marks: Health, mobility, durability.

Highlights:

Get to know the QBs Patriots could select in this year’s NFL Draft