Ranking the best situations the first-round QBs landed in

The 2024 NFL Draft began on Thursday, and plenty of history was made during the first round. Although six first-round quarterback selections occurred during the 1983 NFL Draft, Thursday marked the first time that that number of signal-callers went off the board in the first 12 picks. 

Of course, not every quarterback will pan out, but it won't necessarily be because of their talent. As we've seen throughout NFL history, a quarterback's situation is just as important to their success as their ability. With that in mind, we've ranked each quarterback selected in the first round based on how favorable the situation they're entering is.

6. Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons

Undoubtedly the most surprising selection of the first round, Atlanta grabbed its quarterback of the future just over one month after signing its quarterback of the present, Kirk Cousins, to a four-year, $180M deal. Although the Falcons have a bright young core of playmakers, it's impossible to consider them a favorable landing spot for the 23-year-old Penix. 

Taking a chance on J.J. McCarthy would've been a puzzling yet more logical decision than selecting Penix since the Michigan product is only 21. Penix — the nation's leading passer in 2023 (4,903 yards) — will gain invaluable knowledge sitting behind a seasoned veteran like Cousins, but he likely won't see the field for several seasons, barring an injury.

5. Bo Nix, Denver Broncos

It's fair to argue that the Broncos reached for Nix, the 12th overall pick in this year's draft. However, since quarterbacks were flying off the board at a record pace, it was better to be safe than sorry. 

The former Duck led the FBS in passing touchdowns last season (45) while ranking second in passing yards (4,508) and throwing just three interceptions. Nix also set the NCAA single-season record for completion rate (77.4%), and his exceptional accuracy makes him a perfect fit to run Broncos HC Sean Payton's offense. 

The roster, on the other hand, makes Denver a less-than-ideal situation for Nix to step into. The Broncos finished 24th in receiving yards last season (3,566) and cut ties with WR Jerry Jeudy, their second-leading receiver, earlier this offseason. Denver also saw center Lloyd Cushenberry III sign with Tennessee in free agency, a massive loss for an offensive line that surrendered the sixth-most sacks in 2023 (52). 

4. Drake Maye, New England Patriots 

The Patriots will have to hope that the two-time ACC passing leader is capable of making a Joe Burrow- or C.J. Stroud-esque impact because it's unclear whether the team can adequately support a rookie signal-caller. 

Last season, New England ranked 31st among teams in points and 30th in yardage, with its leading receiver being sixth-round rookie DeMario Douglas (561 yards). Despite entering the offseason with the second-most cap space in the NFL, the Patriots didn't do much to upgrade its receiving corps, as former Minnesota Viking K.J. Osborn (540 yards in 2023) was their top addition. 

In all likelihood, New England will make amends for the lackluster free-agency period by spending most of its remaining 2024 draft picks on pass-catchers and offensive linemen to support Maye. 

Still, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Patriots have the lowest projected win total in the league (5.5 games), which shouldn't surprise anyone since some of the NFL's most talented quarterbacks reside in the AFC East. Given this and the fact that Maye is viewed as a project, it might be best that he sits behind Jacoby Brissett to prevent a repeat of the disastrous Mac Jones era. 

3. Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders

After a historic Heisman Trophy-winning season where he led the nation in total yards of offense (4,946), Daniels finds himself in the nation's capital as the most dynamic Washington quarterback since Robert Griffin III. Overall, the Commanders may struggle as a team for a few seasons, even though they substantially improved their 32nd-ranked defense this offseason. Nonetheless, Washington's offensive supporting cast is competent enough to ensure Daniels can be effective during his rookie season. 

The veteran presence of WR Terry McLaurin, TE Zach Ertz and RB Austin Ekeler should aid Daniels' development. If third-year wideout Jahan Dotson takes the next step, Washington could have a formidable offense for the foreseeable future. The Commanders must continue bolstering their offensive line, but Daniels' rushing ability could compensate for the unit's lack of talent. 

Daniels will also work under an ideal offensive coordinator for his skill set in Kliff Kingsbury, who helped Arizona's Kyler Murray develop into one of the NFL's top dual-threat quarterbacks.

Over his first three seasons in Kingsbury's system, Murray was named the 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year and made two Pro Bowls while rushing for the second-most yards by a quarterback in that span (1,786). Daniels will have to be a more cautious runner in the NFL, but he's well-positioned to emulate Murray's early success.

2. J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings

While rumors swirled that Minnesota would trade up into the top five for McCarthy, it only had to move up one spot, parting with two mid-round picks in the process, to secure the national champion. McCarthy was seen as a boom-or-bust prospect due to his lack of passing production, but we'll soon find out what he's capable of under Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell's guidance. 

It's worth noting that the Vikings signed former No. 3 overall pick Sam Darnold earlier this offseason with the expectation that he'll be a leading candidate for their starting QB job. It wouldn't be shocking if Darnold won the gig out of training camp before Minnesota turns to McCarthy later in the season, depending on the team's record. 

Once McCarthy takes the field, he'll throw to the most talented receiving corps that a rookie quarterback could ask for, which includes TE T.J. Hockenson, WR Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson, the best wideout in the league. Minnesota also shored up its backfield this offseason with the signing of Aaron Jones, whose pass-catching ability will be a major asset for McCarthy. 

1. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears

Halfback Bob Fenimore, Chicago's most recent first overall pick before Thursday night (1947), decided he was better off selling life insurance after playing 10 games for the team. It's hard to imagine Williams will develop similar feelings toward the Bears, as one of the most promising quarterback prospects in recent memory is entering the best situation any signal-caller selected No. 1 overall has ever landed in. 

It quickly became apparent during the 2023 season that Chicago could secure the former Trojan through the first-round pick it received from Carolina last offseason, and Bears GM Ryan Poles has seemingly been preparing for Williams' arrival since then. 

Chicago went 5-4 to close out the season after acquiring edge-rusher Montez Sweat at the trade deadline, showing signs of its potential and giving Poles confidence to take big swings this offseason. The Bears notably added D'Andre Swift, a talented receiving back coming off a career year, in free agency before making a blockbuster deal for six-time Pro Bowl WR Keenan Allen to pair with D.J. Moore. Additionally, the Bears added another player to support Williams by selecting Washington WR Rome Odunze, the nation's leading receiver last season, with the ninth overall pick. 

The Bears have never had a quarterback throw for 4,000 yards in a single season in franchise history. With the talent on the roster, Williams has a realistic shot not only to reach that milestone as a rookie but also to guide Chicago to the postseason.