The 2024 NFL Draft produced a promising quarterback class that, if early signs hold true, could go down as one of the best in league history. Of the six quarterbacks selected in the first round, all who saw the field during their rookie campaigns showed at least flashes of potential, and J.J. McCarthy now steps into one of the most complete rosters among them.
The standout of the group was Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick, who earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and led his team to the NFC Championship Game. However, the quarterback taken just one spot before him, Caleb Williams, may have the most compelling projection heading into 2025 — even if his rookie season didn’t turn heads statistically.
While Daniels set a high bar early, Williams enters Year 2 with a clean slate under new head coach Ben Johnson, whose offensive acumen could be the catalyst that launches the young quarterback’s career to elite status. But with that comes heightened expectations.
Adam Schefter Breaks Down the Pressure On Caleb Williams vs. Jayden Daniels
Williams’ rookie season was derailed by a number of issues within the Chicago Bears organization. A midseason coaching change exposed the franchise’s internal dysfunction, and the No. 1 overall pick struggled to find his footing amid the chaos.
Meanwhile, Daniels enjoyed a dream rookie season. He led the Commanders to the NFC Championship Game and quickly emerged as one of the top quarterbacks in the conference, showing poise in critical moments and the ability to create outside of structure, all while maximizing the talent around him.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter explained that the expectations for each quarterback are very different based on what they showed in their first year and the hype entering Year 2.
.@AdamSchefter puts the pressure on Bears HC Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams this season 😅
“Think about the expectations that are on Caleb Williams compared to the way we are talking about Jayden Daniels. It’s night and day.” pic.twitter.com/6idvSfxCYn
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) May 13, 2025
“We’re talking about [Williams] saying it will be an improvement for them to go from five wins to nine wins, don’t have to make the playoffs, want a good feeling, all those things are accurate. But think about the expectations that are on Caleb Williams compared to the way we’re talking about Jayden Daniels. It’s night and day,” Schefter said. “You would never imagine that these two players were one pick apart in the draft, going picks No. 1 and 2.
“And that is where Ben Johnson, the new Chicago Bears head coach comes in. That is what the Bears are banking on. I know they went out and added three offensive linemen, another tight end, another wide receiver. But really, this comes down to whether Ben Johnson can make Caleb Williams the quarterback the Bears thought they were getting when they drafted him No. 1 overall, one slot before Washington took Jayden Daniels.”
Statistically, the gap between the two quarterbacks is clear. As a rookie, Daniels racked up 3,568 passing yards, 891 rushing yards, and 31 total touchdowns along with a 69% completion rate and nine interceptions. Meanwhile, Williams threw for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions. That difference highlights the lack of production of Chicago’s offense.
Indeed, the arrival of Johnson — who stood out as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions — is meant to maximize Williams’ potential. As a prospect, Williams drew comparisons to quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers for his play style, and with his creativity, Johnson is the ideal coach to maximize Williams’ potential.
“That’s what this is all about. You bring in the quarterback guru — the man that has helped grow Jared Goff — who’s been a wizard wherever he’s been, who can help Caleb Williams take that next step to become the quarterback that they thought they were getting,” Schefter added. “And if they can, then who knows if nine wins is the limit. Anything would be possible if Ben Johnson could make Caleb Williams into the quarterback the Bears think he is.”
The Bears’ offense ranked 30th in PFSN’s Offense+ metric last season, and Williams ranked 33rd in our QB+ metric. Meanwhile, the Commanders’ offense ranked sixth in Offense+ and Daniels was the ninth-best quarterback in QB+.
While there were flashes of potential from Williams, his overall production fell short, so it remains to be seen what kind of leap he can make as a sophomore. Meanwhile, Daniels is expected to pick up right where he left off, particularly after Washington added key pieces like Deebo Samuel Sr. and Laremy Tunsil this offseason.