While the attention of the NFL at this time of year is on the quarterbacks who will be entering the league this spring, the passers entering their second season could be the ones who most greatly impact the outlook of 2025.
Members of the 2024 rookie quarterback class made history before even taking a professional snap: Six were selected in the first round, tying the record set in 1983. And it’s a group that has already flashed long-term promise.
J.J. McCarthy (No. 10 overall pick) didn’t play due to a knee injury, but Jayden Daniels (No. 2) and Bo Nix (No. 12) quarterbacked playoff teams. Three of the six — Daniels, Nix, and Caleb Williams (No. 1) — started all 17 games. Drake Maye (No. 3) and Michael Penix Jr. (No. 8) showed their potential in limited sample sizes, too.
They all enter 2025 in different situations, though. So how should we measure success for each of them?
Here’s a breakdown of the goal that each 2024 first-round quarterback should be seeking in the upcoming season.
Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears
2024 stats (17 games): 62.5% completion rate for 3,541 yards and 20 TDs, 6 INTs
Goal: alignment with new coach Ben Johnson
On paper, there are many reasons to expect a Year 2 jump from Williams. The Bears hired an offensive guru in Ben Johnson and poured substantial resources into the offensive line (signed center Drew Dalman in free agency; traded for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson), which should put last year’s No. 1 pick at ease operating within the pocket. But Chicago’s efforts to boost its offensive supporting cast will be moot if Williams doesn’t get on the same page as Johnson.
Johnson helped rejuvenate Jared Goff’s career and coordinated one of the NFL's most creative and dynamic offenses with the
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