New mock draft projects five QBs selected in top six picks of 2024 NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft may have more high-quality quarterback talent than any other draft in recent memory.

That's why NFL.com's Maurice Jones-Drew believes five teams in the top six picks could select a quarterback in his "one and only mock of the year."

To no surprise, the first quarterback off the board is USC's Caleb Williams at pick No. 1 to the Chicago Bears.

Williams becoming a Bear on April 25 "feels like a done deal," according to Jones-Drew. He's not the only one who feels that way either after the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner threw for 8,170 yards, 72 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions from 2022-23.

The next quarterback taken is LSU's Jayden Daniels at pick No. 2 to the Washington Commanders.

Jones-Drew thinks Daniels "is the most explosive quarterback in this class, as he can hurt defenses equally with his arm and legs." The reigning Heisman Trophy winner proved exactly that, throwing for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns while rushing for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023.

The third quarterback drafted is Michigan's J.J. McCarthy, who goes to the New England Patriots at pick No. 3.

McCarthy's draft stock has been rising since he led the Wolverines to a national championship. Jones-Drew is buying the Patriots' interest in him because "McCarthy knows how to win, and that's what this franchise needs." He's thrown for 5,710 yards, 44 touchdowns and just nine interceptions from 2022-23.

After the Arizona Cardinals, who could "move down," select Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. at pick No. 4, the Minnesota Vikings strike a deal with the Chargers to land UNC's Drake May at pick No. 5.

Maye's draft stock seems to be dropping, maybe because he only has two years of starting experience. Still, his "big arm and ability to evade pressure in the pocket" should be enough for the Vikings to trade up for him. Maye has thrown for 7,929 yards, 62 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in the past two seasons.

The last quarterback taken in the first round is Washington's Michael Penix Jr. at pick No. 6 to the New York Giants.

Penix Jr. has been mocked all over the place since leading the Huskies to a national championship appearance and throwing for 9,544 yards, 67 touchdowns and 19 interceptions from 2022-23. However, if the Giants are ready to move on from QB Daniel Jones, it makes sense to take a chance on the Heisman runner-up.

Plus, owner John Mara gave his team the green light to go quarterback in round one if it so chooses.

"If they fall in love with a quarterback and believe that it's worth pick No. 6 — or moving up — I certainly would support that," Mara said via ESPN.com.