The projected 2024 “mega QB” draft class may not be as “mega” as originally thought. And while it’s very likely for a team like the Bucs to be in the market to draft a quarterback next April, a smaller-than-expected quarterback class means there are no options for Tampa Bay to consider. means less.
Before the start of the 2023 college football season Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus told Pewter Report. Up to 20 quarterbacks could be selected in the 2024 draft, with up to 12 selected by the end of the second day. By comparison, there were 14 signal callers drafted by the end of the seventh round last year, three of which were taken in the first round. And a total of five players were drafted by the end of the third round.
One of the reasons why next year’s QB draft class is so large is because of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), football players who were enrolled in college in 2020 will have an extra year due to the pandemic. was given the qualification. Some of these quarterbacks are now in their fourth, fifth or sixth seasons, and there are a lot of players at that position.
However, with the advent of NIL (name, image, likeness) money available to college football players and the recent success of multiple QBs who have accessed the transfer portal and flourished elsewhere, QBs who were slated to be Day 3 picks Some are choosing to transfer as a freshman or just visit the portal this winter.
Former Kansas State QB Will Howard – Photo courtesy of USA Today
Duke University’s Riley Leonard struggled with injuries during his junior year, but plans to transfer to Notre Dame in 2024 to improve his draft stock after Sam Hartman transferred from Wake Forest to Notre Dame a year ago. It is expected. At the beginning of the season, Leonard was touted as a second-day pick and possibly a dark horse in the first round.
Hartman, a senior, is expected to enter the 2024 draft and is considered a mid-round pick.
Washington State’s two-way quarterback Cam Ward is probably hitting as well. transfer portal instead of the NFL Draft. Ward is currently considered a third-day early pick.
Coastal Carolina’s Grayson McCall, Kansas State’s Will Howard, Oregon State’s DJ Uiagalelei and Miami’s Tyler Van Dyke have also hit the transfer portal, making them mid- or late-day picks. It is believed that
If all six decide to stay in college and transfer, six QBs who were supposed to be in the 2024 draft class will not be available.
Shedur Sanders expected to remain in Colorado
Colorado QB Shedul Sanders and USC QB Caleb Williams – Photo courtesy of USA Today
Shedur Sanders, the Hall of Famer and son of Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, could spend his senior season with the Buffaloes, especially after breaking his hip at the end of this year. Sanders’ father made the decision after two highly ranked QBs were expelled from the school after the Buffaloes’ 4-8 season ended in a disappointing 3-0 start. He is asking Sanders to remain at the University of Colorado.
Colorado’s offensive line was terrible last year, so Sanders will need better protection in his fourth year if he stays. Center Van Wells, the Buffaloes’ top offensive lineman, has opted to transfer, which won’t help Sanders’ cause.
Due to the shaky state of Colorado’s offensive line, Sanders could end up in the NFL as a first- or second-round pick. Given the fact that Mr. Sanders is already a billionaire thanks to the NIL contracts he enjoyed in 2022 and 2023 and will continue to benefit from them in 2024, it is possible that Mr. Sanders will remain in Colorado, and that It will please his father.
Top QBs expected to leave for NFL Draft
Despite a few possible departures from a solid 2024 draft class, most of the top quarterbacks entering this season are still expected to head to the NFL. USC’s Caleb Williams and North Carolina’s Drake Maye are expected to be the top QBs in the top five.
Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. – Photo courtesy of USA Today
LSU’s Jaden Daniels, Oregon’s Bo Nix, Michigan’s JJ McCarthy, and Washington State’s Michael Penix Jr. had great offseason workouts and pro days, as well as fascinating interviews at the NFL Scouting Combine. He has an impressive performance and has a chance to be drafted in the first round. . Those who don’t are guaranteed to be second-round picks.
Georgia’s Carson Beck, along with Texas’ Quinn Ewers, are certain to be second-day picks unless they remain at their respective schools for their senior seasons. Beck is leaning toward a return, and Ewers might do the same.
Tennessee’s Joe Milton III and Tulane’s Michael Pratt could be selected late on Day 2 or early on Day 3.
Wake Forest’s Sam Hartman, South Carolina’s Spencer Rattler, Arkansas’ KJ Jefferson and Florida State’s Jordan Travis are expected to enter the draft, and are currently considered third-day picks. Oklahoma’s Dillon Gabriel, a third-day pick, is also weighing his options.
All of this adds up to 15 potential quarterbacks who could be drafted and several FCS QBs who could be taken on Day 3. This isn’t as many quarterbacks as originally thought, but it’s a better class with more top-end talent than last year. Draft-eligible players have until Jan. 15 to declare for the NFL Draft, but several top quarterbacks have yet to make a formal decision. Rattler is the only QB to officially declare.
Bucs could draft quarterback in 2024
Bucks GM Jason Licht and assistant GM John Spytek – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR
Depending on how this season ends and a change in head coach, the Bucs could draft a quarterback in 2024 – perhaps in the first or second round.
General manager Jason Richt drafted two quarterbacks during his 10-year tenure in Tampa Bay. Jameis Winston was the first overall pick in 2015, and Kyle Trask was the final pick in the second round in 2021. Winston became the franchise’s all-time passing yards leader in five seasons with 19,737 yards and 121 touchdowns.
The Bucs could turn to free agency to acquire a quarterback next year. Tampa Bay could potentially re-sign Baker Mayfield in 2024, depending on what type of offense the team runs and who the play-caller becomes. Alternatively, the Bucks could explore other free agent options, including Kirk Cousins.
