As the NFL prepares for the 2025 season, ESPN conducted a poll involving executives, coaches, and scouts to rank the league’s top 10 quarterbacks. Notably absent from this prestigious list is Caleb Williams, despite his high profile. Instead, Jayden Daniels, Williams’ draft classmate and the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders, secured the No. 5 spot. This development is particularly surprising for those tracking Caleb Williams NFL quarterback rankings, as Daniels’ rise contrasts starkly with Williams’ omission.
Why Jayden Daniels Is Making Waves Early in His Career
One NFL coordinator praised Daniels’ impressive rookie year, highlighting how he
“single-handedly took one of the worst franchises to the NFC title game as a rookie with a bad defense, one legitimate wide receiver, a dinosaur at tight end [12th-year pro Zach Ertz] and average-at-best OL.”
Daniels’ ability to read coverages and throw with precision to all levels of the field sets him apart from many young quarterbacks. His athleticism matches talents like Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen, combined with a clutch mentality that instills confidence in his team.
“Single-handedly took one of the worst franchises to the NFC title game as a rookie with a bad defense, one legitimate wide receiver, a dinosaur at tight end [12th-year pro Zach Ertz] and average-at-best OL. The kid can read coverages, throw with accuracy and touch to all levels of the field, just as dangerous as Lamar and Josh Allen with his legs and has a clutch factor to him because his team already believes that if he has the ball with a chance to win, he’s going to find a way. If he repeats anything close to his rookie year, he’s no lower than No. 3 on this list next year.” —NFL Coordinator
Top NFL Quarterbacks to Watch in 2025 Facing the Chicago Bears
The 2025 quarterback power rankings feature several players who will be key opponents for the Chicago Bears. Besides Jayden Daniels, quarterbacks such as Joe Burrow (Bengals), Lamar Jackson (Ravens), Jared Goff (Lions), and Jalen Hurts (Eagles) appear in the top 10. Chicago’s new Defensive Coordinator Dennis Allen will have the daunting task of preparing his defense to face these elite talents during the season. Additionally, quarterbacks Jordan Love (Packers), Brock Purdy (49ers), Dak Prescott (Cowboys), and Aaron Rodgers (Steelers) received honorable mentions or votes, signaling the toughness of the Bears’ upcoming matchups. Including preseason games, the Bears will see 12 of the 18 highest-rated quarterbacks this season.
Looking Ahead: Caleb Williams’ Prospects for Future Rankings
Despite Williams’ absence from this year’s list, some analysts believe it is unlikely he will remain overlooked for long. Expectations are that Caleb Williams will appear on these rankings next year, either within the top 10 or at least among those receiving votes. Such recognition would reflect his development and performance as the NFL season unfolds.
Chicago Bears’ Football Season Fast Approaching
With the 2025 NFL season only 56 days away, Chicago Bears fans are gearing up for the opening game against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football. The matchup kicks off a challenging schedule that features several highly rated quarterbacks the defense must contain. Historically, Bears players like Bill Hewitt, a University of Michigan alum and Hall of Famer inducted in 1971, have left a strong legacy wearing No. 56, adding a layer of tradition and anticipation for fans.
Off-Field Moments and Player Insights
On a lighter note, Chicago’s quarterback has drawn attention off the field with some personal touches on social media. Known among friends and fans as a “clear coat guy,” he recently shared his unique summer nail color called “1989 Blue,” a special blend created by his nail technician, whom he has known for over two decades. These glimpses add a human element to the competitive atmosphere surrounding NFL stars.
San Francisco 49ers Face Wide Receiver Contract Challenges
The San Francisco 49ers are once again dealing with wide receiver contract disputes. ESPN reporter Adam Schefter revealed that star receiver Jauan Jennings is seeking either a new contract or a trade after receiving an extension last offseason. This situation echoes recent past troubles with receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel, both of whom previously pressed for new deals. The Bears are scheduled to face the 49ers in Week 17, adding potential drama to that late-season clash.
Kansas City Chiefs Guard Trey Smith’s Contract Deadline Nears
The Kansas City Chiefs have set a deadline of 3 p.m. CT on Tuesday to sign guard Trey Smith to a multi-year contract. If no agreement is reached, Smith will play the 2025 season under the Franchise Tag, worth $23.4 million for one year. Smith has expressed confidence despite the uncertainty. His situation is notable because he was once considered a possible free agent target for the Bears before the Chiefs protected him and traded All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney to Chicago earlier this year. This contract saga likely represents a win-win outcome for all parties involved.
The Significance of These Developments for the NFL Season Ahead
These unfolding narratives around quarterback rankings, player contracts, and team preparations create a tense and unpredictable atmosphere leading into the 2025 NFL season. The Bears, facing a slate filled with top-tier quarterbacks like Jayden Daniels and others, have a difficult path that will test their defense’s resilience. Caleb Williams’ exclusion from the early rankings fuels speculation about his trajectory and how he might break into the elite group in the future. Meanwhile, contract dramas with prominent receivers and key offensive linemen across the league could shift team dynamics, affecting competitive balance as the season progresses.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Caleb Williams autosexual?
A. Caleb Williams has identified as “autosexual.” This means a person who feels mainly sexually attracted to themselves.
Q. What happened to Caleb Williams?
A. On January 3, 2022, Williams decided to enter the transfer portal. On February 1, he shared that he had joined the University of Southern California. This move allowed him to play for the Trojans. Williams would be reunited with head coach Lincoln Riley, who left the Sooners to lead the Trojans.
Q. Why did Caleb Williams switch to 18?
A. Since Keenan Allen already had the number 13 in college, Williams chose to wear number 18 from his high school days in the NFL. This decision came less than 30 minutes after he was picked in the draft. Williams set a new sales record for draft night merchandise at Fanatics.
Q. Why did Caleb Williams cry?
A. Following a frustrating defeat in a tough season, Caleb Williams climbed into the front row of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. It was Saturday night, and he began to cry in his mother’s arms. The USC quarterback had made four touchdowns, but that didn’t secure a win.