2024 NFL Draft: Shedeur Sanders, Cam Ward climb Week 2 QB power rankings

2024 NFL Draft QB Power Rankings: Tier 2-

Shedeur Sanders (Colorado)

Surprised? You shouldn’t be. While I admittedly was hesitant to put Shedeur Sanders high on my preseason Big Board, I won’t make that same mistake in these power rankings. Sanders has completed 77.5 percent of passes on the year, including 903 yards and six touchdowns through the air.

His superb ball placement and otherworldly improvisation ability outside the pocket make the Colorado quarterback an intriguing evaluation. Sanders has the size to hold up for a full NFL campaign; all he has to do now is continue dominating any competition put at his feet, just as he did at Jackson State.

Quinn Ewers (Texas)

There are two different Quinn Ewers’: One who plays Alabama and then one who plays the rest of the games. Against Alabama, Ewers has looked like a No. 1 overall pick each of the past two seasons. He terrorized the Crimson Tide secondary with deep bombs downfield and carved the linebackers up over the middle of the field.

Unfortunately, Ewers has yet to consistently put it all together for a full season. A few more performances like he posted against Alabama would go a long way toward his first-round projection. He still has plenty to prove, but the Longhorns might have something special brewing.

Cam Ward (Washington State)

It is no secret: Cam Ward is “my guy” at quarterback for the 2024 NFL Draft. After beginning his career as a zero-star recruit, Ward has blossomed every season in college. This past Saturday evening vs. Wisconsin allowed the star signal-caller to exercise his demons from a lackluster performance vs. the Badgers in 2022.

Ward showed improved mechanics, better decision-making, and even more explosiveness as a scrambler. He still has strides to make in the processing department, and his eye work downfield could stand to improve, but I project that Cam Ward will be in the Day 1 conversation by next Spring.

J.J. McCarthy (Michigan)

The way someone speaks about J.J. McCarthy tells you how much game film a person watches. Some out there are box score watchers, while others are “that boy nice” watchers — there’s room for both in the football sphere. As for me? I try to blend these two extremes as much as possible.

In doing so, I’ve found that McCarthy is a better prospect than I gave him credit for in the summer. In 2023, the Michigan coaching staff has allowed its young signal-caller more freedom to create. The added responsibilities are exactly what NFL Draft scouts have been begging to see.

McCarthy has responded well with two of the best games of his career to this point. At 6-foot-3, 202 pounds, and only 20 years of age, don’t be surprised if McCarthy continues ascending NFL Draft boards everywhere — especially if his level of play stays this high.

Michael Penix Jr. (Washington)

If Michael Penix Jr. was a few years younger, he would be in the running for a top-three spot in the 2024 quarterback class. Alas, he will be a 24-year-old rookie, and even if that doesn’t matter much to you personally, I assure you NFL GMs take this into account.

Still, Penix’s play deserves consideration anyway — if you ask me. The lefty has an absolute cannon attached to his shoulder and is never shy to let it fly. He should be the front-runner for the Heisman Trophy as of Week 2, and maybe a successful and healthy stint will be enough to win a front office over. It only takes one team.