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South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Best fits for potential Day 2 and 3 QBs in 2024 NFL Draft

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 4/16/24

The 2024 NFL Draft is so rich with quarterback talent that some believe six could be selected in the first round.

USC's Caleb Williams, LSU's Jayden Daniels, UNC's Drake Maye, Michigan's J.J. McCarthy, Washington's Michael Penix Jr. and Oregon's Bo Nix have consistently appeared in first-round mock drafts by the "experts."

But what does that mean for the remaining quarterbacks in the draft class?

Here are the best fits for potential Day 2 (Rounds 2 and 3) and Day 3 prospects (Rounds 4-7).

Spencer Rattler, South Carolina | Best fit: Atlanta Falcons

Rattler — the seventh-best QB in the draft, per Bleacher Report's NFL scouting department — is projected to be a third-round pick. However, it would not be surprising if he were to sneak into the second round.

In 2023, the four-year starter threw for 3,186 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He also had four rushing TDs.

Rattler would benefit from learning behind a veteran such as Atlanta's Kirk Cousins, who has played at a high level consistently throughout his 12-year NFL career.

The Falcons signed Cousins to a four-year, $180M deal this offseason, but he'll be 36 at the start of the season and is coming off a torn Achilles. Rattler could serve as a high-upside backup and potential future starter.

Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt. Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Pratt, Tulane | Best fit: Miami Dolphins

If Pratt is still on the board come Day 3, he shouldn't have to wait long to hear his name called.

From 2020-23, he threw for 9,603 yards, 90 touchdowns and 26 interceptions. He also ran for 1,145 yards and 28 touchdowns.

Pratt has the makings of a reliable backup as he does a nice job of making safe decisions rather than reckless ones.

Per Pro Football Focus, he "won't 'wow' you with arm talent, but he does make up for that with clean fundamentals."

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has struggled with turnovers and is entering the final year of his rookie deal. Miami has shown interest in extending him, but Pratt, a Florida native, would provide an interesting option.

Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis. Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Jordan Travis, Florida State | Best fit: Baltimore Ravens

Travis, who suffered a season-ending leg injury late in the 2023 season, finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting. If it weren't for his injury, he'd likely be drafted much higher.

Over the past two seasons, Travis threw for 5,970 yards, 44 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 593 yards and 14 touchdowns.

"He is accurate and poised when throwing out of structure, and he doesn't mind throwing over the middle, even if he has to be on his toes," Pro Football Focus wrote about the 6-foot-1, 212-pound prospect.

The Ravens lost backup QB Tyler Huntley to the Browns this offseason and could use another capable, dual-threat quarterback behind Lamar Jackson.

Baltimore would allow Travis the chance to get healthy and learn behind a two-time league MVP. That's not a bad way to start your career as a late-round pick.

Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

Joe Milton III, Tennessee | Best fit: Pittsburgh Steelers

Milton has a huge arm but battles inaccuracy.

"He's got shades of Cam Newton based on his ability — but his football acumen and his accuracy are issues," a scout told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. "Just doesn't have the feel for the game or the position that you'd like to see."

Needing another backup after Mason Rudolph's departure in free agency, the Steelers could take a late-round flier on Milton, who threw for 2,813 yards, 20 touchdowns and five interceptions in 2023. He completed 61.5% of his passes at Michigan and Tennessee.

Pittsburgh doesn't have a quarterback under contract in 2025, so adding a rookie with a relatively cheap, four-year contract makes sense.

Milton would have the chance to develop behind Super Bowl-winning QB Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, another QB with upside. One of them must be a hit for the Steelers, right?

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