Is fifth-round pick Jaren Hall the guy the Minnesota Vikings think they can develop into the future starting quarterback? If he’s not, the Vikings need to plan for the future at the most important position and the best place to begin looking is the 2024 NFL Draft.
Entering the 2023 season, Kirk Cousins is under contract for one more season and his backups are journeyman Nick Mullens and rookie fifth-round pick Jaren Hall. If Cousins isn’t back next season, the cupboard is kind of bare unless Hall rapidly develops into a starter-level QB.
With that, here are 10 college quarterbacks to pay attention to in 2023.
Caleb Williams, USC: He might’ve been the No. 1 pick this year if he were draft eligible. A lot can change over the next year, but drafting him would likely require Minnesota either earning a top pick through a miserable season or trading the farm to move up and get him.
Drake Maye, North Carolina: Blessed with a rocket arm, Maye is right there with Williams among the two most hyped quarterbacks eligible for the ’24 draft. Again, getting him would probably require a very high pick.
J.J. McCarthy, Michigan: This is Todd McShay’s pick for the Vikings in his way-too-early 2024 mock draft. The Michigan quarterback and throw with accuracy, has a strong arm and has the ability to run.
Michael Penix Jr., Washington: He played four years at Indiana and flashed potential before blossoming at Washington with more than 4,300 yards and 31 touchdowns last season. He’ll be 24 shortly after being drafted but if the lefty puts up numbers like he did in 2022 he’ll be a potential first-round pick.
Quinn Ewers, Texas: He’s the unquestioned starter at Texas despite Arch Manning entering the fray as a true freshman. He only threw for 15 touchdown passes as a true freshman last season, but the table is set for the former No. 1 recruit in the nation to have a big season.
Bo Nix, Oregon: Nix has dual-threat ability and is known for his ability to make plays when protection breaks down. He put up big numbers in his first year at Oregon after transferring from Auburn and there’s quite a bit of hype for him to be in the Heisman race next season.
Jordan Travis, Florida State: After throwing for 25 touchdowns last season, Travis was graded as Pro Football Focus’s No. 1 quarterback among Power Five players. He’s a dual-threat, too, so a big year in 2023 could make him another player the Vikings can consider.
Jayden Daniels, LSU: He threw for 17 touchdowns and only three interceptions in his first season at LSU after transferring from Arizona State, and if he can polish his passing skills to match his running ability – 885 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns last season – he could hear his name called in the first round.
Spencer Rattler, South Carolina: Still only 22 years old, Rattler is entering his fifth season of college football and it is primed to be his best as every word out of South Carolina is that Rattler will be much improved on a solid 2022 season thanks to a better offensive line, receiving weapons and a second year knowing the playbook.
Sam Hartman, Notre Dame: ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported earlier this year that Hartman would’ve been a sixth- or seventh-round pick if he entered this year’s draft. Instead, he’s going to Notre Dame after setting ACC passing records at Wake Forest. The idea is that playing in a pro-style offense will improve his draft stock.
