The NFL is a quarterback-driven league with top QB prospects frequently determining the direction of the draft. A top prospect with “franchise” talent and potential can entice team builders to trade away significant assets to land a star at the game’s most important position.
Since I started my career as a scout in 2000, I have evaluated plenty of star signal-callers with franchise-changing skills. With the 2024 draft on the horizon, this is the perfect time for me to review, reflect on, and re-rank the quarterback prospects I have graded since entering the league.
Though these rankings are based on pre-draft grades, they should provide a little context on how Caleb Williams ranks among the elites at his position before his presumptive selection as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft:
1. Andrew Luck, Stanford (2012 draft): The Jim Harbaugh protégé earned a near-perfect rating as a classic drop-back passer with supreme arm talent and an exceptional football IQ.
2. Michael Vick, Virginia Tech (2001): The five-star wunderkind with the unorthodox playing style did not fit the mold, but his ridiculous athleticism and freakish running skills made him an irresistible prospect at the top of the board.
3. Matthew Stafford, Georgia (2009): The sensational gunslinger was regarded as a “can’t-miss” prospect due to his exceptional arm talent and sneaky athleticism.
4. Cam Newton, Auburn (2011): As a freak athlete with super-sized physical dimensions and superhero talent, Newton was viewed as a rare talent at the position. Though his unconventional play style did not make him the perfect fit for any offense, the Heisman Trophy winner earned high marks for carrying an undermanned squad to a national title as a run-first playmaker with unique talents.
5. Joe Burrow, LSU (2020): The ultra-confident dart thrower drew comparisons to Joe Montana after shredding defenses at a historic pace, showcasing remarkable timing, touch and anticipation as a pocket passer.
6. Caleb…
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Publish date : 2024-02-29 23:55:00
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