The 2024 quarterback class will forever be linked, as six of them were selected in the first 12 picks. While four of those six have already played huge roles in successful seasons for their teams, the first two drafted quarterbacks have been compared the most. Those quarterbacks are Caleb Williams, selected first overall by the Chicago Bears, and Jayden Daniels, who the Washington Commanders made the second pick.
Their names were recently alongside each other again, being compared in ESPN’s quarterback rankings — an annual ranking of positions done by league execs, coaches, and scouts. Williams was the 10th and final quarterback ranked, barely beating out honorable mentions Jayden Daniels, Sam Darnold (Seattle Seahawks), and Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers).
NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler, who orchestrates the survey, explained that those four quarterbacks were so close in voting that it came to tiebreakers, which was “gathering input from several general managers and executives.” From that input, Williams emerged out of the group, and the reason why is that “he’s the hardest of the four for teams to prepare for and defend.”
"He's the most dynamic of the group. He's got the arm talent and overall athleticism suited for today's game.""Anonymous NFL GM on Caleb Williams
NFL general manager argues that Caleb Williams is more dynamic than Jayden Daniels
Daniels, who was selected one spot after Williams, is the one who won Offensive Rookie of the Year. In his first season in the NFL, he dominated with his arm and legs, completing 69% of his passes for 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns, and nine interceptions, while adding 891 rushing yards and six additional touchdowns.
That’s why Daniels was ranked fifth on this list last offseason, and Williams was nowhere to be found. However, the Bears quarterback took a step in the right direction in 2025 under offensive-minded head coach Ben Johnson, and Daniels only appeared in seven games because of injury.
With the NFL being a what have you done for me lately league, it makes sense while people are jumping from Daniels to Williams this offseason. The Washington quarterback will get to have his say, though, now that he’s healthy again.
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