Broncos' Top QB Options in 2024 NFL Free Agency, Draft After Russell Wilson Release
Mar 4, 2024
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 07: Russell Wilson #3 of the Denver Broncos looks on during the third quarter in the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
The ill-fated Russell Wilson era in Denver officially ended on Monday after the Broncos announced his release.
We’ve notified QB Russell Wilson that he will be released after the league year begins March 13.
The trade that brought Wilson and a fourth-round pick to Denver in 2022 proved to be disastrous, costing the team two first-round picks, two second-round picks, a fifth-rounder and tight end Noah Fant, quarterback Drew Lock and defensive end Shelby Harris.
In return, the Broncos received 6,594 passing yards, 42 touchdowns, 19 interceptions, 100 sacks taken, a 63.3 completion percentage and an 11-19 record as the starter across two seasons.
The team will save $37 million by cutting him, though they'll also absorb the largest dead cap figure ($49.6 million in the 2025 season) in NFL history, per Spotrac, and the fourth-largest dead cap hit ever in 2024 ($35.4 million).
The cost to the @Broncos of Russell Wilson's two years.
• Draft picks: 9th, 40th, 145h picks in 2022; 5th, 37th picks in 2023.
• Players: Drew Lock, Noah Fant, Shelby Harris.
• Cash: $124.02 million.
Wilson went 11-19 as Denver's starter, with a 90.8 passer rating.
So with that costly chapter behind them, how will the Broncos pivot at quarterback?
The first obvious option would be at the draft, where the Broncos hold the No. 12 pick. That is going to likely take them out of the running for players like Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels—and perhaps even for J.J. McCarthy—but could make them an interesting suitor for Michael Penix Jr. or even Bo Nix, depending on how their board falls.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com projected them to trade up to No. 9 and select McCarthy in his latest mock draft, calling the Michigan man "a young signal-caller with plenty of upside for Sean Payton to mold."
The B/R NFL Scouting Department, meanwhile, projected McCarthy to drop to No. 12 for the team in its latest mock, calling him a "a reliable pre-snap processor who plays with impressive timing and confidence as a thrower. He's also unafraid to take hits in the pocket, or escape to make something happen if need be. All of that fits well into Payton's offense."
It wouldn't be shocking to see the Broncos move up the board if they falls in love with a young quarterback, though after giving up significant draft capital for Wilson and watching that blow up in their face, there may be hesitancy to go for broke in that manner again.
The other option would be to sign a stopgap option in free agency and letting the board fall where it may in the draft, taking a "best player available" approach rather than tunnel visioning on a quarterback.
A lack of cap space and a roster that doesn't appear ready to immediately compete for titles should take them out of the running for a veteran like Kirk Cousins, while Baker Mayfield seems likely to return to Tampa Bay.
That means the team would be better suited going after short-term solutions like Jacoby Brissett, Ryan Tannehill, Jameis Winston, Gardner Minshew or Tyrod Taylor. Denver could then go into the draft with the ability to select a quarterback if the right option presents itself, but without the desperation to reach or give up major draft capital in a trade.
This is a team that needs an infusion of young talent. The Broncos are likely looking at a multi-year rebuild. A bit of patience in seeking out the next franchise quarterback while addressing other needs on the roster seems prudent.
Bo Nix at 2024 NFL Combine: Measurements, Highlights and Reaction
Mar 2, 2024
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 01: Oregon Ducks quarterback Bo Nix (10) throws a pass during the Pac-12 Conference championship game between the Oregon Ducks and the Washington Huskies on December 1, 2023 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Oregon quarterback Bo Nix put his arm on display Saturday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis as one of the only top quarterbacks who opted to take part in throwing drills.
USC's Caleb Williams, North Carolina's Drake Maye and LSU's Jayden Daniels are all viewed as likely top-five picks, but none of them threw Saturday, which opened the door for Nix and some of the other quarterbacks with first-round aspirations to potentially improve their stock.
Nix entered the combine as the most experienced quarterback in the draft, having started an NCAA-record 61 games, but there were still some question marks he was tasked with answering.
Perhaps chief among them was whether he had the arm strength needed to be an effective quarterback at the NFL level.
Although that won't truly be learned until Nix partakes in NFL game situations, he acquitted himself well in that regard at the combine, including hitting a perfect deep ball:
The QBs are putting on a show with the deep balls.
Nix was in a throwing velocity drill as well, and he was clocked at 58 mph, which was just slightly behind Michigan's J.J. McCarthy at 61 mph and Tennessee's Joe Milton at 62 mph:
In addition to participating in throwing drills, Nix measured and weighed in at the combine, registering at 6'2⅛" and 214 pounds with 30⅞" arms, a 74¼" wingspan and 10⅛" hands, per Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports.
Nix, who began his college career at Auburn before transferring to Oregon for his final two seasons, is coming off a massive 2023 season.
The 24-year-old signal-caller completed a remarkable 77.4 percent of his passes for 4,508 yards, 45 touchdowns and just three interceptions, while also rushing for 234 yards and six touchdowns en route to finishing third in the Heisman Trophy voting and winning the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year Award.
An argument can be made that Nix benefited from playing in a quarterback-friendly offense with explosive playmakers around him, but he still made the right play the vast majority of the time.
Nix's age and arm strength questions are keeping him out of the conversation with Williams, Maye and Daniels, however, he is very much entrenched in the next tier with McCarthy, Washington's Michael Penix Jr. and South Carolina's Spencer Rattler.
Sneaking into the first round is a possibility for Nix, but if not, he should be in a solid position to be a Day 2 pick.
Nix's next opportunity to impress NFL scouts and general managers will come on March 12 when Oregon hosts its pro day.
Patriots Rumors: Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, McCarthy, Nix Met with Team at Combine
Feb 28, 2024
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 09: Jayden Daniels quarterback LSU takes a photo with his head coach Brian Kelly and the Heisman Trophy after winning it at the press conference at the New York Marriott Marquis on December 9, 2023 in New York City, New York. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The New England Patriots appear to be doing their due diligence with the top quarterbacks available in the 2024 NFL draft.
The Patriots have met with UNC's Drake Maye, LSU's Jayden Daniels, Michigan's J.J. McCarthy and Oregon's Bo Nix at the NFL Scouting Combine, according to Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald.
New England also intends to meet with USC's Caleb Williams, Kyed added.
I'm told Jayden Daniels is a guy Bill Belichick loved and was at the top of their draft board. Does Jerod Mayo love him too? #Patriotspic.twitter.com/vQrs8Ry2cI
The Patriots own the No. 3 pick in the 2024 draft following a disappointing 2023 campaign that saw them finish with a 4-13 record thanks to a combination of a struggling Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe under center.
However, there have been rumors about the team potentially trading back from No. 3.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport speculated Tuesday that the Patriots could trade back instead of selecting a franchise quarterback.
That said, it's no surprise the Patriots are doing their due diligence on the quarterbacks available in this year's class, especially considering they could use an upgrade at the position.
Williams is widely expected to go No. 1 overall to the Chicago Bears, and he told ESPN's Pete Thamel that he would be "excited" about joining the franchise as the first player off the board this spring.
The Washington Commanders own the No. 2 overall pick and could also select a quarterback, but any of Maye, Daniels, McCarthy and Nix could be available when the Patriots are on the clock.
Maye would arguably be the most intriguing option for New England.
Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department lists Maye as the top quarterback available in the 2024 draft class, topping the likes of Williams and Daniels.
Maye also has a little bit of Superman Syndrome. There are two or three plays a game where things break down and Maye feels the need to do something outrageous to salvage the play, rather than just move onto the next play or series. You don't want Maye to lose his edge, but some of those plays must be cut out.
Overall, Maye is a supremely talented passer. He has the athleticism, arm talent and baseline processing skills to become a weapon at the next level. All he needs to do is cut out some of the "doing too much" plays. Maye has the skill set to fit in any system and develop into a star.
If both Williams and Maye are off the board by the time the Patriots are on the clock, Daniels would be the best quarterback available.
The B/R NFL Scouting Department has Daniels the No. 3 quarterback available in this year's class, and Klassen wrote of the LSU product:
Overall, Daniels has an exciting floor as a prospect. He is a veteran-like presence in the pocket, and he's far and away the best athlete in the class at the position. Daniels' average arm talent and inconsistent accuracy may limit his ceiling, but it's hard to imagine him totally flaming out. Daniels would be best in an offense that leans into his rushing ability and vertical passing, similar to Kyler Murray or Jalen Hurts.
If the Patriots trade the No. 3 pick, McCarthy and Nix could still be options for the franchise, though several other teams are also in the quarterback market this spring and New England would risk missing out on their top choices if they move back.
Patriots Can't Pass on Marvin Harrison Jr. in 2024 NFL Draft, Even for a Top QB
Brent Sobleski
Feb 26, 2024
COLUMBUS, OHIO - NOVEMBER 11: Marvin Harrison Jr. #18 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs a play during the first quarter of a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Ohio Stadium on November 11, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images)
The New England Patriots must draft a quarterback this year. They almost certainly will. But that particular selection doesn't need to be with the third overall pick. A better course can be plotted starting with the North Star of this year's draft class, Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
The Patriots organization is experiencing a rebirth with Bill Belichick's departure as overlord. How the team will operate will be significantly different with director of scouting (aka general manager) Eliot Wolf and head coach Jarod Mayo now leading the way.
The difference between these two regimes already seems night and day, with Mayo not being indifferent when asked about what New England should do during April's draft.
"We're gonna draft the best player for a position that's very important," the coach responded when asked directly about the third overall pick during an interview with CBS News Boston. "You put the pieces together."
Mayo's answer intimates a quarterback will be the choice. After all, the Patriots can stand...um, pat...and simply take whichever of the top three quarterbacks remain after the Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders select their preferred options, whether it be USC's Caleb Williams, North Carolina's Drake Maye or LSU'S Jayden Daniels.
No one denies how important the quarterback position is or how desperately New England needs to move away from the Mac Jones era. But there is a better way to go about addressing the organization's current setup that doesn't necessarily involve blinders with the third selection.
The following is a multi-step plan (in chronological order) for the Patriots to start their rebuild in earnest, still land a quarterback they so desperately need and become a more competitive team, with Harrison serving as the primary building block.
Step One: Trade Mac Jones for Whatever
New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones
The NFL scouting combine isn't just a weeklong interview for incoming draft prospects. It's also the biggest convention of the NFL season, where every team and all of its football personnel are in Indianapolis.
While the combine and the draft are at the forefront of every conversation, other topics are broached. For example, the discussions between the Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers for last year's No. 1 overall pick began during combine week.
The same can be done by New England. Wolf should get feelers out to see what teams are willing to give up for Jones, who went from the Pro Bowl as a rookie to benched in Year 3. Wolf can assess the market, see what potential suitors are out there and agree to terms on a deal for whatever that will go into effect at the start of the new league year.
With Jones out of the way, the real restart can begin.
Step Two: Sign Joe Flacco in Free Agency
Free-agent quarterback Joe Flacco
A slight groan may emanate from the Patriots faithful, because this isn't the most inspiring direction. Flacco is 39 years old, and his fairytale return last season turned into a pumpkin during the postseason.
However, two critical factors should be considered with this potential move.
First, Flacco can provide a steady, veteran presence, as he did for the Cleveland Browns last season when the team was dealing with myriad injuries that could have tanked the entire campaign. Instead, the 16-year veteran played some of the best ball of his career and subsequently won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award.
Second, familiarity breeds stability. Mayo hired Alex Van Pelt and T.J. McCartney as the Patriots' new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, respectively. Both served on the Browns' staff over the past four seasons. They know exactly what to expect from Flacco. The veteran signal-caller can help them implement and teach their offense. Conversely, the coaches understand how to build the system around his particular skill set.
Thus, the Patriots aren't rushed into playing a rookie quarterback and have someone on the roster who can help in the incoming prospect's development.
Step Three: Address the Offensive Line in Free Agency
Free-agent offensive lineman Michael Onwenu
Real talk, the Patriots aren't a destination franchise anymore. They really haven't been for some time. But those early post-Tom Brady years included a couple uncharacteristic splashes at the onset of free agency.
At this point in the organization's existence, it must overpay to entice free agents to join the team.
New England can mitigate its spending by re-signing Michael Onwenu to a contract extension before free agency begins. Even if the front office does, the other tackle spot needs addressed since Trent Brown is set to test the market.
Jonah Williams is a realistic target by promising a return to left tackle after the Cincinnati Bengals unceremoniously switched him to the right side last year.
Furthermore, the Patriots can mine the Browns pipeline again since new offensive line coach Scott Peters previously served on the staff, and Cleveland has one of the league's deepest front fives. Center Nick Harris and utility lineman Michael Dunn are both options to improve the overall quality of the unit.
If Onwenu wants to enter free agency, he'll have plenty of suitors and will likely land elsewhere. The Patriots can then take a run at an experienced starter in Chukwuma Okorafor, Jermaine Eluemunor or Yosh Nijman.
While the situation is not ideal, offensive line improvements must supersede any other position group at the start of the new league year. Without a solid foundation up front, it won't really matter who's playing being center.
Step Four: Draft Marvin Harrison Jr.
Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
While this may be the fourth step, it's the key to the Patriots' entire offseason.
Without going further, obviously, the wide receiver position doesn't hold the same value as quarterback. But value is a sliding scale.
Harrison is the top-ranked player on the Bleacher Report Scouting Department's current draft board, with the highest overall grade the staff has designated so far. The reigning Biletnikoff Award winner is a Hall of Fame-caliber talent and the best prospect in the entire class. There's absolutely no reason to overthink this selection, particularly when viewing the alternative.
Ultimately, this decision comes down to Harrison v. Daniels, since the expectation is Williams and Maye will be drafted with the first and second overall picks. For comparison, Daniels currently ranks 24th on B/R's board. Even when positional value is taken into account, that's a significant drop-off.
The Patriots haven't had an outside target as talented as Harrison since Randy Moss last donned the uniform in 2010. The son of a Hall of Famer is the closest thing to a surefire prospect as it gets. His scouting report from B/R scout Derrik Klassen reads like a list of wants when trying to design the perfect wide receiver.
Harrison is an exceptional mover for 6'4" and 205 pounds. While he can play a little high at times, Harrison plays with rare foot speed and agility for a player his size. He can throttle route speeds with ease and snaps off all of his routes in an instant. He's a smart, controlled route-runner with the perfect athletic tools to maximize those traits.
Harrison has real-deal speed, too. He's at his best on vertical routes. Harrison flies off the line of scrimmage and threatens DBs right away, often using his hands and movement skills to effortlessly stack them down the sideline. Go balls, comebacks, deep stop routes and digs are some of Harrison's best routes because they let him use his speed as a threat.
Above all, Harrison has truly exceptional ball skills. It's as if time slows down for Harrison when the ball is on its way. Harrison has a way of seeing the ball in cleanly every time and extending his long arms to pluck it from the air as soon as he can. He generally has the strength to hang onto passes through contact, too.
Whereas, Daniels' assessment isn't as glowing from Klassen:
Daniels' arm talent and accuracy is a mixed bag. On one hand, he's a phenomenal deep thrower in rhythm. He regularly drops it in the bucket without needing his receivers to break stride. However, Daniels' arm strength and accuracy are less dangerous to other parts of the field. He doesn't always have the velocity to fit tight windows, and his accuracy in the 1-20 yard range comes and goes. Daniels' accuracy especially falls off when he's forced to throw out of rhythm or late in the down.
Overall, Daniels has an exciting floor as a prospect. He is a veteran-like presence in the pocket, and he's far and away the best athlete in the class at the position. Daniels' average arm talent and inconsistent accuracy may limit his ceiling, but it's hard to imagine him totally flaming out. Daniels would be best in an offense that leans into his rushing ability and vertical passing, similar to Kyler Murray or Jalen Hurts.
Furthermore, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner's athleticism comes with some apprehension, because the quarterback runs the ball like he's a crash-test dummy and takes some wicked hits to his lanky 6'4", 210-pound frame.
Today's game is built on throwing the football. The Patriots can either select the class' biggest and best threat in the passing game or hope that Daniels' game continues to develop as it did in 2023. The latter could certainly occur, because the 23-year-old quarterback is extremely talented. Yet New England must weigh its options, and the Patriots have more than one among the incoming quarterbacks.
Step Five: Draft Michael Penix Jr. or Bo Nix
Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (left) and Oregon quarterback Bo Nix (right)
The draft doesn't end in the first round, even though the opening frame receives the most attention. Starting quarterback options will be available beyond this year's third overall selection. This juncture is where the Patriots must strike.
New England also owns this year's 34th overall pick. Wolf and Co. have two options, both with prospects and how to proceed.
Washington's Michael Penix Jr. and Oregon's Bo Nix are expected to land somewhere in the latter portions of the first or second round. Both are highly experienced starters who put up massive numbers for winning programs over the past two seasons. Both also have their pluses and minuses, hence why they're not in the same conversation as the previously discussed quarterback prospects.
Penix is a left-handed gunslinger who spins the ball very well with the ability to drive throws to all three levels. Yet he's an older prospect (turns 24 in May) with an extensive injury history (two ACL tears to the same knee) and requires tweaks to his footwork.
Nix is also an older prospect (already turned 24), who's a good athlete and makes smart, quick decisions with uncanny accuracy when working in rhythm. Oregon's offense was designed to take advantage of his strengths while not necessarily asking him to regularly make NFL reads and throws.
Despite some concerns, the talent is evident in both, and both present future starter upside.
The Patriots can target these two a little later in the process. What Wolf must decide is whether he can land one near the top of the second round or if it's necessary to trade back into the first. While New England would cede assets in a trade-up, the organization will also gain the fifth-year option on the rookie deal that comes with being a first-round pick.
Penix or Nix can then use their rookie season to learn from Flacco, allow the Patriots to build further around the quarterback position and then be handed the reins, either later in the '24 campaign or the following year.
Each of these steps is critical, but New England will have a clear plan of what it's building toward to regain some of the clout the organization once had.
Brent Sobleski covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter, @brentsobleski.
Daniel Jeremiah: NFL Execs' Grades for McCarthy, Nix, Penix Jr. 'All over the Place'
Feb 18, 2024
HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 08: Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) gives a thumbs up to the sideline during the CFP National Championship game Michigan Wolverines and Washington Huskies on January 8, 2024, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The evaluations for the top three quarterbacks at the 2024 NFL Draft appear to be pretty clear cut. Beyond that, it's a bit more difficult to reach a consensus.
In an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network said USC's Caleb Williams, North Carolina's Drake Maye and LSU's Jayden Daniels appear to be the consensus top three quarterbacks in the draft.
Beyond that trio, he said that he had spoken to several personnel, executives and general managers throughout the league and that they all have different views of Michigan' J.J. McCarthy, Oregon's Bo Nix and Washington's Michael Penix Jr.
"Their personal opinion on these guys is all over the place," Jeremiah said. "There's McCarthy teams, there's Bo Nix teams, there's Penix teams."
He projected that there would be at least eight "quarterback teams" that would be interested in grabbing a new signal-caller in the first round and there could be several franchises trading up in order to grab a specific player.
When looking at team success, McCarthy should lead the pack. He went 27-1 as the Wolverines starter and led the team to two Big Ten titles and a National Championship in 2023. Statistically, he was less heralded, as never eclipsed 3,000 yards in a season and played in a more run-heavy offense at Michigan.
Nix and Penix also saw significant success on the field, Penix leading his Huskies to the 2023 National Championship Game and Nix leading the Ducks to Fiesta Bowl victory. However, both players are a bit older at 23-years-old and have dealt with injuries in the past.
Jeremiah identified the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, Atlanta Falcons and Las Vegas Raiders as teams that could be interested in any of the rookies. All would be threats to move into the top-three as well, although the Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders and New England Patriots could take quarterbacks as well.
The NFL Combine and overall pre-draft process will help some of these teams shore up their desires when it comes to these players, but it sure looks like the market will be hot on Day 1 of the Draft.
The first round of the NFL Draft is set to take place April 25 in Detroit.
Field Yates NFL Mock Draft 2024: J.J. McCarthy to Broncos, Bo Nix to Steelers
Feb 14, 2024
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 08: J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts in the second half against the Washington Huskies during the 2024 CFP National Championship game at NRG Stadium on January 08, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
In his first mock draft of the offseason, ESPN's Field Yates projected Wednesday that five quarterbacks will be selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft.
As has been typical with many mock drafts thus far, Yates has the three most highly touted quarterbacks going with the top three picks in the form of USC's Caleb Williams to the Chicago Bears, LSU's Jayden Daniels to the Washington Commanders and North Carolina's Drake Maye to the New England Patriots.
Yates bigger swings occurred later in the first round, as he projects the Denver Broncos to select Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy with the 12th overall pick and the Pittsburgh Steelers to take Oregon quarterback Bo Nix at No. 20.
While Williams, Daniels and Maye all feel like slam dunks to be high picks, the evaluation gets much trickier for other quarterbacks in the draft in terms of where they should or could land.
There is little doubt that the Broncos are in the market for a young quarterback after they benched veteran starter Russell Wilson for the final two games of the 2023 season in order to avoid the possibility of an injury guaranteeing a significant portion of his contract.
Assuming the Broncos either trade or release Wilson, they would be candidates to possibly trade up for a quarterback, or to stay put and take a quarterback who isn't among the top three.
McCarthy is an intriguing prospect since he did a lot of winning at Michigan, but wasn't usually tasked with putting the offense on his back and didn't put up huge numbers.
With McCarthy leading the way, the Wolverines went undefeated and won the national championship last season, however, his stats are somewhat pedestrian compared to other quarterbacks in the class.
McCarthy completed an impressive 72.3 percent of his passes, but he threw for only 2,992 yards to go along with 22 touchdowns and four interceptions, while also rushing for 202 yards and three scores.
Under head coach Jim Harbaugh, McCarthy had the benefit of leaning on an elite running game and defense, which could mean he either doesn't have what it takes to be a high-volume passer, or he perhaps has a ton of untapped potential.
Denver taking McCarthy would make for a fun scenario within the AFC West since Harbaugh left Michigan to become the head coach of one of the Broncos' biggest rivals in the Los Angeles Chargers.
In many ways, Nix is the polar opposite of McCarthy, as he is two years older at 23, and had an eye-popping statistical season to end his college career at Oregon.
Nix finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting last season after completing 77.4 percent of his passing attempts for 4,508 yards, 45 touchdowns and three picks to go along with another 234 yards and six touchdowns on the ground.
The Ducks went 12-2 with Nix at the controls, and their only losses came to a Washington team that reached the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
Nix comes with significant risk since he isn't as young as many of the other quarterbacks in the draft, and since it is unclear how well his performance in Oregon's high-octane offense will translate to the NFL.
Given that Kenny Pickett has thrown just 13 touchdowns compared to 13 interceptions in two seasons since the Steelers took him 20th overall in 2022, they have to at least consider a quarterback at No. 20 this year.
Pittsburgh has already parted ways with Mitchell Trubisky and Mason Rudolph is an impending free agent, so there is a clear spot open for someone to come in and compete with Pickett.
The Steelers can supply Nix with a great deal of offensive talent around him in the form of wide receivers Diontae Johnson and George Pickens, and running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, which is similar to the setup he had at Oregon.
Even if Nix isn't as physically gifted as some of the other quarterbacks in the draft, he knows how to get the ball to his playmakers, and that may be all the Steelers need in order to be contenders moving forward.
Daniel Jeremiah Thinks 4-5 Teams Could Explore Trade Up for QB in 2024 NFL Draft
Feb 10, 2024
LAS VEGAS, NV - FEBRUARY 6: A detail view of the NFL Draft 2024 logo at Super Bowl LVIII Radio Row at Mandalay Bay on February 6, 2024 in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
It appears we could see quite a bit of movement in the 2024 NFL draft order thanks to the quarterback talent available this spring.
NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah reported Saturday he believes between four and five teams could look to move up in this spring's draft to select a quarterback. He added that "teams aren't excited about next year's QB class."
Jeremiah's report comes after one NFL scout told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Pete Thamel that he believes there's a significant drop-off in quarterback talent in 2025.
"It won't be anything close to this year," the scout said.
There's no shortage of arms available this spring, with the likes of UNC's Drake Maye and USC's Caleb Williams leading the pack.
Williams is widely expected to go first overall to the Chicago Bears, but Maye isn't far behind in terms of talent. Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department has Maye ranked as the No. 1 quarterback available in the 2024 class ahead of Williams.
Other quarterbacks available include Washington's Michael Penix Jr., LSU's Jayden Daniels, Michigan's J.J. McCarthy, Oregon's Bo Nix, South Carolina's Spencer Rattler and Notre Dame's Sam Hartman.
Daniels is widely considered the best available among that group and is expected to be a first-round pick. McCarthy and Nix could also end up being selected in the first round.
The Bears, Washington Commanders and New England Patriots own the top three picks in this year's draft, and considering each franchise could use a quarterback, three signal-callers could be taken to open up the first round of the 2024 draft.
The 2025 draft class is expected to include Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, Texas' Quinn Ewers, Georgia's Carson Beck and Penn State's Drew Allar.
Sanders and Ewers possess plenty of upside, but they don't necessarily wield the prototypical traits found in this year's top prospects.
The NFL's offseason coaching merry-go-round is slowing down with the music fading into the background and another ride in sight. As each of the organization's…
NFL Draft Rumors: Scouts Don't Feel Bo Nix Answered Concerns with Senior Bowl Play
Feb 4, 2024
MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 31: National quarterback Bo Nix of Oregon (10) during the National team practice for the Reese's Senior Bowl on January 31, 2024 at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Bo Nix was excellent in his final season at Oregon, but he reportedly didn't do enough at the Senior Bowl to differentiate himself from the second tier of quarterback prospects entering this year's NFL draft.
ESPN's Jeff Legwold reported "evaluators arrived in Mobile wanting to see Nix operate out of the comfort of Oregon's offense, work under center and drive the ball downfield when the opportunity arose. They left Mobile with the feeling Nix hadn't answered those questions."
B/R's NFL Scouting Department gave him a third-round grade before his uneven performance in the Senior Bowl week.
B/R's Derrik Klassen provided more details on the unimpressive showing, going as far as to describe Nix's play as "bad during the second day of Senior Bowl practices."
Accuracy was the biggest issue on multiple throws, including when he underthrew USC running back Marshawn Lloyd on an attempt that stood out:
"Nix is not normally this inaccurate on film, but it's not surprising to see him late to trigger and generally a little anxious as a thrower," Klassen wrote. "Both of those traits track with what he put on film, and both have cranked up in an unfamiliar environment."
The Oregon product at least played better in limited action in the Senior Bowl game and went 4-of-5 for 21 yards and a touchdown to Minnesota tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford. He looked more like the quarterback who completed 77.4 percent of his passes for 4,508 yards, 45 touchdowns and three interceptions while adding 234 yards and six scores on the ground in 2023.
Perhaps a team will see the Heisman Trophy finalist's game film from the season and take a chance on him in the second round.
But he didn't help himself during the Senior Bowl.
Spencer Rattler Steals Show in Bo Nix Matchup, Impresses Fans at 2024 Senior Bowl
Feb 3, 2024
MOBILE, AL - FEBRUARY 01: American quarterback Spencer Rattler of South Carolina (2) during the American team practice for the Reese's Senior Bowl on February 31, 2024 at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler likely helped his 2024 NFL draft stock significantly with his performance in the 2024 Senior Bowl on Saturday.
Getting the start for the American team, Rattler went 4-of-4 for 65 yards and threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to Georgia wide receiver Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint on the first drive of the game:
Given how efficient the American offense looked during Rattler's short time in the game, the talented signal-caller received a great deal of support on social media from observers who believe he could be a steal in the draft:
Spencer Rattler is going to be a steal in the draft IMO
And I know I have a tendency sound a little hot take-y when it comes to my alma mater, but I legitimately believe that Spencer Rattler is every bit as talented as any quarterback in this NFL draft class. Maturity and decision making have been the only question marks.
Rattler dropping dimes like Gamecock fans know he can. My bet is that he will be a Top 3 NFL QB from this class when it's all said and done. He has every tool needed to be an excellent NFL starter. Keep in mind it took projected #1 pick Caleb Williams to unseat Spencer at OU. https://t.co/5peJQTFV9k
Rattler burst onto the scene as a redshirt freshman at Oklahoma in 2020 when he completed 67.5 percent of his passes for 3,031 yards, 28 touchdowns and seven interceptions, but after struggling in 2021, he transferred and spent his final two seasons at South Carolina.
In 2023, Rattler completed 68.9 percent of his passing attempts for a career-high 3,186 yards, plus 19 touchdowns and eight picks. He also rushed for four touchdowns.
USC's Caleb Williams, North Carolina's Drake Maye and LSU's Jayden Daniels are seemingly surefire first-round picks in the 2024 NFL draft, but the pecking order is unclear beyond that.
It is difficult to envision Rattler being a first-rounder since he is on the smaller side and didn't put up huge numbers collegiately, but he likely caught the eye of many NFL teams Saturday.
Another quarterback who likely helped his cause in the Senior Bowl was Bo Nix, who went 4-of-5 for 21 yards and a touchdown as the National team quarterback.
After completing 77.4 percent of his passes for 4,508 yards, 45 touchdowns and three interceptions this past season at Oregon, Nix has a legitimate chance to sneak into the first round.
Talent evaluators seem to be split on whether Nix can excel at the next level, but it is tough to ignore his production against a high level of competition.
