The ACC is not likely to have as many players drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft as either the SEC or BIG 10. However, they will likely have more QB prospects drafted in the Top 100 than either of those Power conferences. Or any other conference, for that matter. To be specific, four of my Top 10 ranked prospects for the 2024 Draft are from the ACC.Â
So, today in my ACC preview, I will look solely at those quarterbacks.
Pigskin’s ACC Prospect Preview
Drake Maye, North Carolina
My No. 2 QB is DRAKE MAYE/UNC. The 6’2/225 Tar Heel is not quite as athletic as my No.1, Caleb Williams but the RS Soph has already shown enough ability, and potential, to be considered as a Top 5 Pick. In his first full season with the Tar Heels, he completed 66% of his throws, with a TD/INT ratio of 38/7. He is also mobile in the pocket and can impact a game as a runner.
Riley Leonard, Duke
At No. 3, right behind MAYE in my rankings, is Duke’s RILEY LEONARD. LEONARD was a huge factor in DUKE’s surprising 2022, 9-4 season, under new head Coach Mike Elko. LEONARD completed 63.8% of his throws with 20 TD/6 INT while rushing for 699 yards at 5.6 ypc and 13 rushing TD. He improvises too much for some and needs to sharpen his throwing fundamentals. However, the Fairhope, AL prospect shoulders perhaps the biggest load in carrying his team’s offense on both his shoulders and legs combines.
Jordan Travis, Florida State
My 5th ranked QB is JORDAN TRAVIS of Florida State, who has improved each of his three seasons for the Seminoles. Head Coach Mike Norvell and his staff have done a remarkable job in retooling the FSU roster around TRAVIS. At 6’1/210 he’s a tad smaller than the NFL prototype, but more and more QBs of his size are finding jobs and success in the NFL. His 2022 stats featured 24 TD & 5 INT. He topped 400 rushing yards, including 7 TDs. I see him as likely a late Day Two draftee in 2024.Â
Tyler Van Dyke, Miami-FL
I have TYLER VAN DYKE, of Miami, as my No. 8 QB prospect. His 2022 stats did not even approach his 2021 numbers. However, a combination of injuries and issues adjusting to a new offensive scheme under new O.C. Shannon Dawson certainly explain some of that drop-off. He fell off to 10 TD/5 INT with a negligible increment in his completion percentage from 62-63%. At 6’4/225 he’s the biggest guy in my Top 10. He has Day Two, draft potential if he can stay healthy and adjust better to Dawson’s scheme.