Every rookie quarterback selected in the 2024 Draft - and when they are likely to start in the NFL

This year’s NFL Draft made history when quarterbacks flew off the board in the first round. 

As expected, the Chicago Bears took Caleb Williams with the first overall pick, but the QBs kept on coming, with six selected in the first 12 picks - the fastest-ever run on the position in the history of the draft. 

This total of six first-round selections matched the iconic class of 1983 that saw Hall of Famers John Elway, Jim Kelly and Dan Marino among those selected, before the picks dried up, with no. 12 pick Bo Nix being the last quarterback selected until Spencer Rattler at no. 150.

In total, there were 11 quarterbacks drafted across the seven rounds, so here is a list of every one of them and when we may see them in action. 

Caleb Williams - Chicago Bears, Round 1, Pick 1 overall

The Bears made no secret of their desire to take Caleb Williams with the first overall pick and he is set to be the day one starter in Chicago. 

Jayden Daniels - Washington Commanders, Round 1, Pick 2 overall

The Commanders had their pick of the best of the rest after Williams was off the board and opted for Jayden Daniels over Drake Maye. Another player that is set to start on the opening weekend in September. 

Drake Maye - New England Patriots, Round 1, Pick 3 overall

With an experienced backup in Jacoby Brissett behind him, there is perhaps not the pressure to throw Drake Maye in at week one, given the size of the Patriots rebuild this offseason. However, it would certainly buck a recent trend if a quarterback drafted so high was not an immediate starter. 

Michael Penix Jr. - Atlanta Falcons, Round 1, Pick 8 overall

The most fascinating pick of the whole draft. Mere weeks after handing Kirk Cousins a four-year, £180million deal, the Falcons stunned the rest of the NFL by taking Penix Jr. off the board with their eighth overall selection. 

It would be another shock if Cousins wasn’t the starter in week one, but Penix Jr. does provide some insurance if the 35-year-old’s recovery from Achilles tear does not go to plan. 

So assuming Cousins is fit, when should Penix Jr. expect to see action? The Falcons would be able to get out of the Cousins deal after two seasons which would allow their new draft the time to get adjust to life in the NFL. 

J.J. McCarthy - Minnesota Vikings, Round 1, Pick 10 overall

In the week leading up to the draft, many believed that McCarthy could end up being a top-five pick, given how desperate teams were to move and grab a signal-caller.

In the end the Vikings were able to get him at no. 10 and there’s a good chance he will beat out Sam Darnold to be Minnesota’s week one starter. 

Bo Nix - Denver Broncos, Round 1, Pick 12 overall

The Broncos didn’t let their chance to select a first-round quarterback go as they pulled the trigger on Bo Nix at 12. Like McCarthy, he will also face a battle against a former New York Jets draft bust in Zach Wilson, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him installed as the starter after training camp. 

Spencer Rattler - New Orleans Saints, Round 5, Pick 150 overall

It was feast then famine as the flurry of first-round QB picks gave way to a 137-pick wait for another to be selected - the longest span in common draft history. 

That puts us firmly in backup territory now, with Rattler joining a crowded QB room in New Orleans. Derek Carr is the unquestioned starter, with Jake Haener the most likely backup as things stand. Rattler’s upside means he is a perfect developmental project though and could quickly move up the depth chart.

Jordan Travis - New York Jets, Round 5, Pick 171 overall

After trading away Zach Wilson, the Jets moved to grab Jordan Travis in the fifth round. Tyrod Taylor will be backing up Aaron Rodgers this season, but they are one of the oldest starter-backup combinations in the league, so Travis may not be as far away from NFL action as his mid-round selection may indicate. 

Joe Milton - New England Patriots, Round 6, Pick 193 overall

With Drake Maye and Jacoby Brissett in position, Joe Milton was signed by the Patriots for depth and will likely have to settle for either the final QB spot on the roster or a place on the practice squad. 

That said, the Pats do have previous when it comes to drafting quarterbacks in the sixth round…

Devin Leary - Baltimore Ravens, Round 6, Pick 218 overall

The Ravens were wise to draft another quarterback as their options behind Lamar Jackson are not plentiful. His current backup is 38-year-old journeyman Josh Johnson, with Malik Cunningham, who was on the Patriots practice squad last year, the other player on the roster. 

Ravens fans will hope they don’t see Leary thrust into action, but another younger prospect was needed. 

Michael Pratt - Green Bay Packers, Round 7, Pick 245 overall

The Packers aren’t afraid to draft a quarterback and that strategy paid off handsomely with Jordan Love. 

Many thought Pratt would be off the board well before the final round so the Packers feel they have a good value pick here. He joins 2023 fifth-round pick Sean Clifford in the quarterback room.

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