Caleb Williams – Chicago Bears
Coming out of the University of Southern California, Williams is the number one pick headed to the Chicago Bears. Starting off his freshman year at University of Oklahoma, he worked his way to become a starting quarterback around the middle of his season and was then named a freshman All-American.
Williams then played in the Alamo Bowl and shortly after entered the transfer portal; right as his freshman year ended, seeking for a team that he can bring his greatness towards. Following his coach from Oklahoma Lincoln Riley’s footsteps, Williams started his sophomore year at University of Southern California. Starting off as a backup for Miler Ross, who eventually got redshirted in the middle of the season. This gave Williams the chance to become the starting quarterback for the Trojans.
He won the Heisman trophy in 2022, and at the end of his sophomore year was the 8th player for the Trojans to win this title. Throughout Williams’ junior year, he kept his stats up and continued to become a better player for his team. He has certainly lived up to the expectations of becoming the number one pick in the 2024 draft.
“It’s a long time for an even longer time to come. So I’m ready. I’m ready for the moment and ready to be welcomed onstage in my suit and have a blast,” Williams said in an interview with NBC News.
With the Chicago Bears finishing last in the NFC North last season with the final record of 7-10, and with Williams being the first overall pick from the draft, he shines lots of spotlight onto the Bears upcoming season. The team is already off to an amazing start, finishing off the preseason 4-0 and ending with their last win against the Chiefs. Above all else, this just shows how much character Williams has already brought to the team and this is just the beginning for him.
Jayden Daniels – Washington Commanders
Up next, coming out of Louisiana State University, Daniels is the number two pick headed to the Washington Commanders. Starting his collegiate football career at Arizona State, he wasn’t getting the results he wanted out of the program and felt like he would have more opportunities elsewhere.
In February of 2022, Daniels entered the transfer portal, and not even a month later he committed to Louisiana State University. He felt like he had found a program where he was going to be able to showcase his talents at a bit of a higher level. Daniels ended up using all of his college eligibility and ended this 5th year at Louisiana State University.
“My decision to enter the transfer portal was probably the best decision for me and my future career for the goals I want to accomplish,” Daniels said in an interview with Sports Illustrated. “Those conversations with Coach Kelly, I showed interest in them and they showed interest back. [I] had the opportunity to come play at the highest level.”
Throughout his fourth and fifth year as a tiger, Daniels had gained lots of awards that shined light on his name. He, as well as number one pick Caleb Williams, received the Heisman trophy one year after Williams did, in 2023. Through a combination of his achievements, he was able to make all his dreams come true and get drafted in 2024.
Daniel’s story to the NFL is very different from many other players that have made it just as far as he has. His route to becoming a Commander took quite some time, but throughout those years he was able to find new paths that would help lead him to success. Five years of college football gave Daniels the chance to build up good stats for himself and to prove that he is able to be at the top when it comes to QBs. His football journey inspires me a lot, and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for his progress all throughout his rookie season.
Drake Maye – New England Patriots
Up now we have, coming out of University of North Carolina; Drake Maye. Maye is the number three pick, and he’s headed to the New England Patriots. He stayed a true Ram and was with the program for two years before he got drafted.
During his freshman year, he was a backup for Jacolby Criswell, but replaced him not long into the season; becoming the number one quarterback for the Rams. He was named Offensive Rookie of the Year, Freshman of the Year, and much more. But this was just the beginning for him.
Unfortunately, he ended up redshirted at the end of his first season, becoming ineligible for the following season, but this was just a little bump in the road for Maye. In his sophomore year, he came back better and stronger for not only himself but the team as well. He quickly became one of the top players in the state. He earned All-Conference Honors and the Rising Star Award, and having spectacular stats as a sophomore drew lots of attention towards Maye. In the short amount of time he had at University of North Carolina, he was able to make a name for himself and become the third pick out of the 2024 Draft.
Maye is all about leveling up to his teammates and always learning from others. From his college stats, he definitely has a lot to bring to the team this season. Starting as a rookie can be quite difficult in the NFL, but Maye is willing to make all ends meet in New England and enjoy this new chapter of his life outside of North Carolina.
“I think I’m a competitor, not one of those guys who is going to come in here and be a boasting rookie. I’m going to try to earn their respect and build relationships. And from there, just improve on my play. I’m just excited to get a fresh start, I’ve never lived outside of North Carolina,” Maye said in an interview with Bleacher Report.
