In this installment of the Combined Class Dynasty Rankings, we break down the 2022-2024 quarterback landscape.
In dynasty (and devy, of course!), viewing the QB position within the context of a two-to-three-year window can be valuable, especially as it pertains to making trades involving current and future draft capital. In other words, we all know Caleb Williams (USC) is the big prize in 2024, both in terms of the real-life NFL as well as fantasy. That definitely matters when planning out our team builds.
For example, if I’m a rebuilding team, it’s important to be aware that the 2024 QB class might have a couple of potentially special prospects at the top. I would be way less likely to trade away my 2024 first-round pick for inferior quarterback help right away, especially if I’m not likely to win money with my team in 2023.
Conversely, if the upcoming QB class looked poor, a pragmatic dynasty manager might pull the trigger on a deal to land a veteran quarterback using that future first. Whichever way you’re looking at it, it is important to be aware of the quality of the future rookie classes compared to past classes, even if you’re not a devy player.
These Combined Class Dynasty Rankings aim to help put things into perspective by ranking all of the quarterbacks from 2022, 2023, and 2024 together.
Here are my 2022-2024 quarterback rankings.
1. Caleb Williams (USC – 2024)
Heisman him‼️
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) November 30, 2022
Did Caleb Williams' pass under pressure in @uscfb’s win over Notre Dame earn the @76 Fan Fueled Moment? Tweet #FanFueled2 to vote! pic.twitter.com/TFQa9lTIyK
Almost as obvious and unanimous as Bijan Robinson’s position as the 1.01 in 2023, Williams should garner just as much certainty for the top spot in 2024. He is an electrifying prospect, flashing Mahomesian swag on seemingly every dropback. This is Andrew Luck. This is Trevor Lawrence. Williams is a prospect for whom NFL front offices and countless dynasty managers alike will be actively tanking in 2023.
2. Anthony Richardson (IND – 2023)
As soon as Richardson achieved top-five draft capital, he became the consensus QB1 in a class that didn’t really have one until now. Richardson’s elite athleticism provides that rushing floor we all crave, plus his improvement as a passer in many key areas from Y1 to Y2 is encouraging despite the narrative that he can’t pass from the pocket.
3. Bryce Young (CAR – 2023)
I’ve always been a Young guy. Until Richardson went fourth to the Colts, Young was my QB1 in the 2023 class over C.J. Stroud. His pocket presence and elusiveness while navigating dirty pockets are special. If Carolina can surround him with more talent on offense as his career unfolds, I don’t see how Young fails. His size is vastly overblown. The kid can play. He just needs better weapons than the bones of Adam Thielen and D.J. Chark if he wants to realize his full potential.
4. Drake Maye (North Carolina – 2024)
Drake Maye is such an easy QB to like. UNC is running the Yankee concept and Maye perfectly reads the MOF safety and layers a beautiful throw into the end zone pic.twitter.com/UxWaLM7Bhs
— Jack Brentnall (@Jack_Brentnall) May 20, 2023
Depending on your projection for Maye, you might have him at second on this list behind Williams. PFF gave Maye a 92.5 grade inside the pocket in 2022, tops in the nation. Maye also offers natural athleticism as a ball carrier. Physically, he’s just the prototype if you were trying to build a modern-day quarterback. Maye will need a strong 2023 season to keep pace with Williams in terms of NFL Draft stock, but he has more than enough talent.
5. CJ Stroud (HOU – 2023)
Everyone knows about his accuracy and his impressive Georgia game performance. He lands in Houston, which is in the middle of a full rebuild. And so, Stroud’s fantasy viability could partly hinge on the front office’s ability to successfully add pieces on offense. Reports out of Texans camp are that Stroud has been very impressive early on. These sorts of early-season reports are usually to be taken lightly, but it’s encouraging nonetheless.
6. Bo Nix (Oregon – 2024)
Oregon QB Bo Nix led the Ducks to their 8th straight 40-point effort, scoring two passing, two rushing and a receiving TD vs CU
— Eric Froton (@CFFroton) November 9, 2022
Though he is only throwing downfield 11.8% of the time (119th in FBS), Nix ranks 5th in Deep Completion % at 56%, with the 2nd lowest sack rate (3.2%) pic.twitter.com/h6CRdnsOvj
Once a punchline at Auburn, Nix’s draft stock came back from the dead this past season for Oregon. He completed 72 percent of his passes and threw 29 touchdowns versus seven picks. Nix was also a huge factor as a runner, scoring 14 more touchdowns on the ground. He is set up nicely to succeed again in 2023, with fellow future-NFL prospect WR Troy Franklin expected to lead a solid passing attack.
7. Quinn Ewers (Texas – 2024)
Quinn Ewers was basically “setting his feet” away from being really good as a redshirt freshman last year.
— Christian Williams (@CWilliamsNFL) June 14, 2023
The talent is there. The weapons are there.
I still have faith he’ll become a first-round pick. pic.twitter.com/JSZDZSNsDm
Ewers needs a stellar 2023 season to cement his spot in the top six. For now, though, he’s my number six based on his pedigree and upside. I would not be surprised if Ewers ends up falling out of the top ten, but at this point, I’m choosing to bet on his talent ahead of the underwhelming options further down this list.
8. Kenny Pickett (PIT – 2022)
I’m not a Pickett fan, so this feels a little high to me. But with seemingly no competition in sight for Pickett in Pittsburgh, his stranglehold on a starting NFL QB spot is a huge boost to his value in my Combined Class QB Rankings. In deep lineup leagues especially, just having a starting quarterback, any starting quarterback, is valuable. Pickett has a solid cast of weapons and a strong running game to lean on, so in theory, Kenny Two Gloves might still have a little upside.
9. Brock Purdy (SF – 2022)
Purdy gets the nod here inside the top ten in part due to the relative security of his situation. Despite his late-round draft status and the presence of former first-rounders Trey Lance and Sam Darnold on the 49ers’ roster, Purdy seems like Kyle Shanahan’s guy. Presiding over San Fran’s well-oiled offense helps prop up his fantasy value in my eyes. Purdy perhaps could fall down this list if Lance were to gain some momentum during this upcoming preseason, but for now, Purdy’s job seems secure when healthy.
10. Joe Milton (Tennessee – 2024)
Been diving into the upcoming QB class and I absolutely cannot wait for a full season’s worth of Joe Milton tape
— Mike Renner (@mikerenner_) June 13, 2023
How many QBs make 60 yards look this easy?
pic.twitter.com/BeWVhKLLqy
Ranking Milton in my top ten here involves an awful lot of projection, but what are we doing here if we can’t have fun with this? Milton has massive upside thanks to his cannon of an arm and impressive athleticism. His skill set is also tailor-made for that Tennessee offense that Henden Hooker excelled in. People forget Milton actually beat out Hooker for the starting role in 2021 before an injury changed things. Now, finally, with a chance to be “the guy,” we shall see if Milton can realize his potential.
11. Desmond Ridder (ATL – 2022)
Ridder is tough to rank because, on the one hand, he currently has a starting job. With players like Milton, Ewers, and Nix, we can only hope they can achieve that. On the other hand, his hold on the job as of now is tenuous at best, and the upside of the “unknown” collegiate QBs far exceeds that of someone like Ridder. Ridder has less security than someone like Pickett or Purdy because of the presence of Taylor Heinicke in Atlanta. While Heinicke isn’t a world-beater by any means, he’s good enough to where Arthur Smith might look his way if Ridder struggles early on the season.
12. Sam Howell (WAS – 2022)
As a prospect, I’ve always liked Howell. His fifth-round draft capital could ultimately be a killer, though. It doesn’t matter what I think of a player if his team doesn’t value him as a future franchise QB. Jacoby Brissett stands in Howell’s way this preseason. On paper, Howell’s skill set fits well with Terry McLaurin and Jahon Dotson. Plus, new OC Eric Bienemy brings some excitement along with him on the offensive side of the ball in D.C. If Howell can play well and win enough games to where the Commanders can’t draft Williams or Maye in 2024, he might prolong his hold on the starting job.
13. Will Levis (TEN – 2023)
Conversely to Howell, I’m not a big Levis fan, but his early second-round draft capital probably gets him an opportunity to start in Tennessee at some point, regardless of how good or bad he is. The arm talent and rippling muscles are there. It remains to be seen if he can improve his accuracy and decision-making. The Titans, as they are currently constructed, are likely not a great environment for a lot of fantasy points for Levis.
14. Hendon Hooker (DET – 2023)
Hooker has reportedly been looking great during early team activities (which rookie hasn’t?), and that narrative is that Jared Goff is one of the more replaceable starting QBs in the league right now. Third-round picks aren’t promised much in terms of job security, even once the starting quarterback’s time is up. It’s just as likely that the Lions go back to the well once Goff is done. That being said, Hooker has some nice traits and could earn himself a shot down the road.
15. JJ McCarthy (Michigan – 2024)
JJ McCarthy did some nice things vs TCU. His arm talent is real. Pair that with his rushing ability, you have a QB worth watching from an NFL standpoint.
— Full-Time Dame 💰 (@DP_NFL) January 4, 2023
pic.twitter.com/UCNzemhrvW
Another projection pick. McCarthy is on the radar of many 2024 NFL Draft pundits already, but he will need a strong season to prove his development to NFL executives. He has a little “dual threat” to his game. Many believe McCarthy outplayed C.J. Stroud in their matchup last season, for whatever that’s worth. His physical talent is evident, but his decision-making needs to improve.
16. Michael Penix (Washington – 2024)
Michael Penix Jr. with the LASER pic.twitter.com/7sMnW8XxhO
— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 18, 2022
Penix was an intriguing 2023 name for a while before he announced he would return to school. The left-hander should have a stellar 2023 season with the wide receiving talent on that Washington team. It remains to be seen, however, whether or not Penix can convince NFL front offices he belongs in that elite tier of quarterbacks by the time the 2024 NFL Draft comes around.
17. Jordan Travis (Florida State – 2024)
THIS SCRAMBLE BY JORDAN TRAVIS 😱 pic.twitter.com/Qg3klhDkJr
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) November 26, 2022
Travis needs to prove that he can take a step with his mechanics and accuracy, but the dude is an impressive improviser once things break down up front. Florida State should have a pretty good offense overall, so Travis is someone to watch this season.
18. Stetson Bennett (LAR – 2023)
Leading up to the draft, there was plenty to dislike about Bennett as a pro. Accordingly, Bennett fell to pick No. 128 but has since drawn rave reviews so far into OTAs. His ceiling is capped by his lack of elite tools, but he can run a little bit, and Matthew Stafford is obviously getting a bit long in the tooth.
19. Bailey Zappe (NEP – 2022)
Zappe’s position here is largely due to my lack of confidence in Mac Jones as a franchise quarterback. Yes, having an actual, functioning offensive coordinator in New England should make a significant difference. Yes, adding someone like DeAndre Hopkins to give Jones better weaponry would make a significant difference. But at the end of the day, I’m just not so sure that Mac is all that. Bill Belichick is not the kind of head coach who will hesitate to bench the more highly drafted quarterback if it is warranted.
20. K.J. Jefferson (Arkansas – 2024)
Arkansas QB KJ Jefferson the last two years in the SEC
— Joe O’Leary (@TheHQNerd) March 15, 2023
🎯 60 TD
🎯 67% Completions
🎯 600 + Rush (’21+’22)
🎯 8.95 Yards Per Attempt
🎯 Only 9 INT
At 6’3 245 I don't know what else this young man has to accomplish to get the ‘24 Draft buzz he deserves
pic.twitter.com/tpsmUOfwqW
At this stage of the rankings, we’re continuing to throw 2024 darts. They are the only QBs who can still improve their NFL Draft position, after all. Jefferson has an intriguing blend of size, athleticism, and arm talent. His mission in 2023 should be to prove that he can be more than a one-read quarterback. Jefferson also needs to show better command of pre-snap situations. If he can develop in these areas, his ceiling is much higher than this No. 20 ranking.
The Rest of the QBs
- Michael Pratt (Tulane – 2024)
- Malik Willis (TEN – 2022)
- Thompson-Robinson (CLE – 2023)
- Jayden Daniels (LSU – 2024)
- Shedeur Sanders (Colorado – 2024)
- Jaren Hall (MIN – 2023)
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4 Responses
Great article. Will you do this type of ranking with other positions? Thanks
Yes! WRs are next. Thank you so much.
Is Malik Willis intentionally left off the list?
Nope! Meant to have him in the “rest.” Thanks!