When the 2023 season began, one of the biggest storylines was the Bryce Young/C.J. Stroud conversation. Young has struggled through a terrible season with a bad football team (sound familiar?). Stroud has been very good in his rookie year. Unfortunately, he suffered a concussion in week 14 and has not played recently.
The narrative flipped recently. Little-known QBs have stolen the NFL stage. Names like Purdy, Browning, and DeVito have grabbed the attention of fans and media.
Decisions are forthcoming if we are watching the last three games of Justin Fields' run as Chicago's quarterback. The attention has been on Caleb Williams. Touted as the next "can't miss" phenom. There is a huge problem putting Williams on your list for the next QB to call Chicago Home.
Caleb Willams Has Not Declared For The 2024 Draft
As of this writing, Williams is strongly considering using his last year of eligibility, staying at USC for the 2024 season. In years past, this would not be a consideration, as the threat of serious injury would have eliminated any chance of a top-tier prospect staying in college. That has changed dramatically due to NIL deals.
Williams' earnings from NIL deals were estimated at over $2.8 Million in 2023. He has deals with Beats by Dre, United Airlines, Neutrogena, Fanatics, Alo Yoga, and Wendys. His income for 2024 is expected to be more than $3 Million.
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels is another QB expected to be drafted in the top ten. He has also not declared, although he has already announced that he will not play in the Tigers' bowl game.
With the exceptional play from previously unknowns like Browning and DeVito, will teams pay more attention to second-tier QBs? Here is a look at two possibilities.
J. J. McCarthy, Michigan
McCarthy already has one thing going for himself. He is a local kid (LaGrange Park, IL). In his scouting report there are many strengths listed. But there are some deficiencies in his game. He is 6' 3" and has adequate speed and arm strength. Despite Michigan's run-heavy offense, he has shown the ability to take over a game with his passing.
You can find his draft profile at https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/JJ-McCarthy-QB-Michigan
Michael Pratt, Tulane
Michael Pratt is a 6' 3" prospect from Tulane. He led the Green Wave to an 11-2 record in 2023. In 2022, Pratt took the team to the Cotton Bowl, where the Green Wave defeated Caleb Williams and USC 46-45. Trailing 45-30 with less than 4:30 to play, Tulane scored 16 unanswered points, with Pratt finding Alex Bauman for a 6-yard TD pass with six seconds left to win the game.
Pratt finished his career with 90 TD passes and only 26 INTs. He also ran for 28 TDs. His draft profile is here https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Michael-Pratt-QB-Tulane
According to NFL Draft Buzz, McCarthy is the 7th-rated QB in the '24 draft. Pratt is ranked 8th
Other QBs ranked in the top ten not named Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, or Jayden Daniels are Michael Penix, Washington; Bo Nix, Oregon; Quinn Ewers, Texas; Spencer Rattler, South Carolina, and Jordan Travis, Florida State.
News and Notes
When the Los Angeles Rams defeated New Orleans last night, Chicago's bleak hope to earn a postseason berth is still alive. The following games must all fall the Bears' way to keep a playoff appearance this year in play.
The Bears must beat Arizona
Colts defeat Falcons
Titans defeat Seahawks
Lions defeat Vikings
Packers defeat Panthers
Eagles defeat Giants
Ravens defeat Cardinals
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