Where to Spend the Last Picks of Your Draft – QBs (Fantasy Football)

This year, the QB position is deeper than we have seen in years, and drafters should feel no anxiety in waiting to draft one. If you are looking to take advantage of other positions first, here are a few QBs you can target near the end of your draft. One warning, though – these late-round dart throws will pay off best if coupled with another, more dependable QB. This is especially true if you look at a rookie since he might not even see the field immediately at the start of the season.

This is a reminder that all of the QBs mentioned here are currently being drafted after round 12, courtesy of the Sleeper ADP tool on the website. We are also using 12 team/half-PPR data.

JJ McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings – 14.11

Most analysts do not assume that McCarthy will start the season. The organization signed veteran Sam Darnold, and all bets seem to be that Darnold will take the first snap. However, the Vikings’ bye is Week 6, meaning that if the team wants to make a change, that would be a great time to do it. As Andy has so aptly named him, he truly is the sacrificial baby.

McCarthy had a fabulous final season at Michigan, throwing for almost 2,500 yards and 19 TDs. The best part of McCarthy’s game was his 74.3% completion rate, second only to Bo Nix in his draft class. McCarthy checks all the boxes – high aDOT, high YPA, a strong leader, and, as all the teams that interviewed him said, a great young man. McCarthy is Minnesota’s future, and he has one of the best WRs ever running downfield in Justin Jefferson, making him a great dart throw for the second QB on your roster.

The fact that JJ McCarthy dropped this dime while Justin Jefferson was mic’d up is hilarious. pic.twitter.com/ZiwOOKYOkw

— Dane Mizutani (@DaneMizutani) August 10, 2024

McCarthy took the field in his first preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders this weekend, and he had a solid showing, going 11/17 for 188 yards, two TDs, and one INT.  He showed poise in the pocket and an extremely strong arm. His biggest cheerleader, WR Justin Jefferson, ran onto the field after his first TD pass.

Will Levis, Tennesee Titans – 15.07

It is a make-it-or-break-it year for Will Levis in Tennessee, and if you grab him at the end of your draft, you should know quickly if he is worth a roster spot. Levis was all over the place last year, starting off as the QB6, but after that week, he never topped QB15. Brian Callahan comes to Tennessee to be their new head coach after spending five years as the offensive coordinator in Cincinnati, and the Titans are hopeful he can do with Levis what was done with Joe Burrow.

The great thing about Levis is that he loves to chuck that ball, and the Titans have done everything they can to surround him with targets. The Tennessee pass catchers aren’t young, but the combination of DeAndre Hopkins, Calvin Ridley, and Tyler Boyd screams veteran dependability. Plus, there is always Chig.

The Tennessee Kid

Presented by @SeatGeek pic.twitter.com/nUKefYZVGV

— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) July 27, 2024

Levis showed no fear in his 2024 preseason debut against San Francisco, diving for a TD on a QB sneak that would make any coach have a sharp intake of breath.

No risk it, no biscuit, right?

Bo Nix, Denver Broncos – 17.12

This THROW by Bo Nix

Nix and fellow rookie Troy Franklin are reportedly already showing early signs of an elite chemistry.

Sean Payton may have himself a Drew Brees clone. pic.twitter.com/ColEFTrA8r

— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) June 12, 2024

Perhaps the most pro-ready QB to enter this season, Bo Nix is a seasoned play-caller. Nix played five full years in college, throwing over 14,000 yards and 101 total TDs, and might be exactly what Denver needs for the future. Head Coach Sean Payton has spoken highly of the Oregon prospect, comparing him to Drew Brees, and if Payton can squeeze out even a bit of Brees talent from Nix, he could prove at minimum to be a good bye-week fill-in. When Denver’s initial depth chart was released, Nix wasn’t the QB1. Heck, he wasn’t even the QB2. He was listed as the QB3 behind Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson. He did, however, have the chance to shine in the Broncos’ first preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts. He went 15/21, with 125 yards passing. He threw for one TD and also ran for 17 yards.

Nix looks to have the starting job within his control if he continues to perform well in these preseason outings. If you do grab Nix late, make sure you have a dependable starting QB that you drafted earlier – we never know when Payton is telling the truth when it comes to who is starting for him.

Honorable Mentions:

• Bryce Young (CAR, 16.07) – Can Dave Canales do it again? It is worth a shot.
• Deshaun Watson (CLE, 14.07) – If Watson can return to even close to form, his rushing upside could help him finish as a QB1.
• Matthew Stafford (LAR, 13.01) – Stafford does have those guys named Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp to throw to.