5 Most Under-The-Radar Quarterbacks In The 2024 NFL Draft

Quarterbacks often garner all the attention during draft season, and it’s for good reason. Where some of the top-tier signal callers go could change NFL betting odds and all together alter the complexion of the league.

But some quarterbacks don’t receive that spotlight and still go on to be productive pros. Look no further than former Mr. Irrelevant Brock Purdy, who just led the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance.

There are quarterbacks in this year’s draft class who will likely make impacts in the league who won’t be taken in the first round. Here’s a look at the best under-the-radar signal callers who could be drafted in 2024.

Michael Pratt, Tulane

Though he missed a couple games this past season due to injury, Pratt might be the most talented quarterback from a non-Power Five program.

The 6-foot-3, 220-pound signal caller recorded 3,010 yards, 27 touchdowns, and five interceptions while completing 64% of his passes in 2022. In 2023, the AAC Player of the Year threw for 2,406 yards, 22 touchdowns, and five interceptions and ran for 286 yards and five scores.

Because of the position he plays, Pratt might be the first Group of Five prospect off the board.

Austin Reed, Western Kentucky 

It’s hard to imagine a quarterback who once led the country in passing yards is underrated. But in a draft class featuring Heisman Trophy winners like Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels, Austin Reed isn’t going to be one of the first five QBs taken. 

Reed was the FBS passing yards leader with 4,744 in 2022. The 6-2, 220-pounder also threw for 40 touchdowns with 11 interceptions while earning CUSA second-team honors. This past season, he totaled 3,340 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. For his career, he’s completed 63% of his passes.

Reed has been productive enough to prove he could help a team in the near future.

Joe Milton III, Tennessee

Joe Milton III also isn’t widely regarded as a top-five quarterback in this year’s class. But he accomplished plenty in his collegiate career.

The former Orange Bowl MVP started 21 games in college. Last season, he completed 65% of his passes for 2,813 yards, 20 touchdowns, and five picks while rushing for 299 yards and seven scores.

At 6-foot-5, 235 pounds, Milton is the type of quarterback many teams will consider in the middle rounds.

Carter Bradley, South Alabama

Bradley made an immediate impact at South Alabama after transferring from Toledo. 

In 2021, Bradley’s final season there, he threw for 972 yards and four touchdowns, helping him rank third in the MAC with a 164.1 pass efficiency rating and seventh with 212.3 passing yards per game.

The following year after going to South Alabama, Bradley led the Sun Belt with 28 touchdown passes and was second with 3,343 yards to go with a 65% completion rate and 12 picks. And this past season, he completed 68% of his throws en route to 2,660 yards, 19 touchdowns, and seven picks.

Bradley, son of NFL coach Gus Bradley, is ready for the NFL and would be worthy of a late-round pick.

Davius Richard, North Carolina Central

Richard suffered a setback last week during the predraft process. The signal-caller injured his right leg when running the ball near the goal line during the HBCU Legacy Bowl.

Viewed as a seventh-round-to-UDFA prospect, the injury, which looked serious, could hurt his stock. But Richard’s skill set should still excite a team enough to warrant a late-round pick. The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder is the top QB prospect from the FCS after a fantastic career. He threw for 8,991 career yards, 73 touchdowns, and 29 interceptions. Richard moves well for his size too, rushing for 2,026 career yards and 44 scores.

His strong arm and dual-threat abilities will get him an opportunity with an NFL team. If he doesn’t hear his name called, several teams should be interested in giving him a shot through an undrafted free agent deal.