2024 NFL Draft could challenge record for QBs selected in the first round

The 2024 NFL Draft process is heating up coming out of the Reese’s Senior Bowl, and ESPN’s Pete Thamel believes fans could see a run at a longtime first-round record in April.

According to Thamel, this year’s draft class of quarterbacks could take a run at the record of QBs selected in the first round. The record is currently held by the 1983 NFL Draft that saw John Elway come off the board No. 1 overall and Dan Marino be selected with pick No. 27.

Part of the consideration for taking a QB in the first round of this year’s class is partly influenced by a weaker draft class in 2025. The group of QBs to come out next year “won’t be anything close to this year,” said a veteran NFL scout. Another scout said, “There’s no sure-thing sophomore quarterback” per Thamel.

At this point, there are 3 QBs likely locked into being top-10 picks with Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye in heavy contention to be taken early. Fans can track the latest odds and trends for the No. 1 pick in the draft with SDS’s sports betting apps.

Behind that trio, Thamel included JJ McCarthy, Bo Nix and Michael Penix Jr. as players who could make a push into the first round. Teams looking at those QBs will also be considering a 2025 QB class that is likely to consist of Carson Beck, Quinn Ewers and Shedeur Sanders at the top but “looks poor in terms of depth” writes Thamel.

“Smart teams look ahead to next year’s class to assess this year’s decision,” said a front office executive.

Regardless of how this year’s draft plays out, the thought of any QB group approaching the 1983 class is intriguing to ponder. That 1983 first-round group was made up of Elway, Marino, Todd Blackledge (No. 7 overall), Jim Kelly (No. 14), Ton Eason and Ken O’Brien. Three of those QBs went on to produce Hall of Fame careers.

Paul Harvey

Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.