The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine is fast approaching. With the Senior Bowl officially in our rearview mirror, the NFL Combine represents the next opportunity for prospects to improve their pre-draft stock ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. Every year, outstanding athletic testers elevate themselves a full round or two due to exiting the NFL Combine as a point of conversation.
With that in mind, we've identified five quarterbacks who could raise their draft stock at the NFL Combine.
J.J. MCCARTHY, MICHIGAN
No quarterback is climbing draft boards like Michigan's J.J. McCarthy right now. Fresh off a National Championship victory, McCarthy is beginning to threaten for top-10 status and may even leap over Jayden Daniels and/or Drake Maye on certain draft boards.
It's difficult to envision McCarthy doing anything that hinders his draft stock in Indianapolis. McCarthy’s combination of arm talent and athletic ability should lead to eye-opening results. Expect McCarthy to continue his ascension.
BO NIX, OREGON
It was difficult to imagine Bo Nix would be in this position throughout the early portion of his tenure at Auburn. A transfer to Oregon changed everything for Nix. He entered the pre-draft process as one of the most improved and experienced quarterbacks in all of college football.
Nix's arm strength will be on display in Indianapolis. Nix's ability to alter tempo and complete passes from multiple platforms and angles should lead to impressive results. Nix is athletic enough to test in the top half of every drill he participates in.
JOE MILTON III, TENNESSEE
Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joe Milton III may have the strongest arm of the 14 quarterbacks scheduled to attend the NFL Combine. Milton will excel throughout throwing drills. He's capable of sending 60-plus-yard passes with precision simply through a flick of his wrist.
The 6-foot-5, 235-pound Milton is an athletic specimen that could post the fastest 40-yard dash among all participating quarterbacks. Milton is also a candidate to put forth position-best marks in the vertical and broad jump testing drills. The NFL Combine provides the perfect environment for an athletic quarterback like Milton to improve his pre-draft stock.
JAYDEN DANIELS, LSU
Was there a better deep-ball thrower throughout the 2023 college football season than LSU's Jayden Daniels? Daniels' natural athleticism allows him to navigate the pocket and locate targets while on the move. Expect the Heisman-winning Daniels to be creative, completing accurate downfield passes where the play moves the launch point.
Daniels' athleticism as a rusher was proven through his dual-threat abilities. The former Arizona State transfer rushed for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. Straight-line speed isn't going to be an issue for Daniels in Indianapolis.
SPENCER RATTLER, SOUTH CAROLINA
Spencer Rattler was the best quarterback in attendance at the Senior Bowl. That's a huge compliment considering Nix, Michael Pratt, and Michael Penix Jr. were also contending for that title. Expect Rattler to continue improving his pre-draft stock through another significant showing at the NFL Combine.
Rattler is a naturally talented passer. Those gifts will thrive in a controlled throwing environment like the one Indianapolis provides. Rattler drives passes with ease. Expect the second-round conversation to continue heating up after Rattler puts on a show at the NFL Combine.
