When Caleb Williams was selected first overall by the Chicago Bears in the 2024 NFL Draft, the consensus was clear: he was the next big thing, a quarterback with the potential to redefine the game. As a former Heisman Trophy winner with a dazzling college resume, Williams seemed destined to draw comparisons to Patrick Mahomes. His mobility, arm talent, and flair for improvisation made the “Mahomes 2.0” label feel almost preordained.
Yet, NFL success often hinges on context, and the Bears have done little to nurture their prized rookie. Behind a porous offensive line and a shaky supporting cast, Williams has flashed moments of brilliance but struggled to deliver consistent results. Meanwhile, another rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels, is taking the league by storm and stealing the spotlight once reserved for Williams.
Travis Hunter gives special words for Jayden Daniels at the begginning of the season
Drafted second overall by the Washington Commanders, Daniels has thrived in an environment tailor-made for his skills. With offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury dialing up creative schemes and a reliable receiving corps headlined by Terry McLaurin, Jamison Crowder, and Olamide Zaccheaus, Daniels has turned heads. According to NFL insider James Palmer, league circles are abuzz with comparisons between Daniels and Mahomes-not Williams.
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Daniels’ start to the season has been nothing short of spectacular. His uncanny ability to extend plays, deliver off-platform throws, and remain composed under pressure has drawn inevitable Mahomes comparisons. But it’s his knack for late-game heroics that truly sets him apart. In one of the season’s most jaw-dropping moments, Daniels threw a 52-yard Hail Mary to defeat Williams’ Bears.
A tale of two rookies: Who will become the NFL’s next transformative quarterback
The LSU product hasn’t stopped there. In the last two weeks, Daniels delivered a game-winning touchdown with six seconds left against the Eagles and orchestrated an overtime victory over the Falcons to secure the Commanders’ playoff spot. His blend of athleticism and poise has elevated Washington into a postseason contender in one of the NFL’s toughest divisions.
Meanwhile, Williams continues to battle adversity in Chicago. His flashes of brilliance-highlighted by the “wow” throws that made him a generational prospect-haven’t been enough to overcome the Bears’ dysfunction. There’s still hope for Williams to develop into a star, but the early returns favor Daniels.
For now, the narrative has shifted. While Caleb Williams navigates growing pains, Jayden Daniels is delivering the kind of electrifying performances that evoke visions of Mahomes. If the Commanders’ rookie sustains this pace, he might just cement himself as the NFL’s next transformative quarterback.
