Caleb Williams, the first overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, landed with the Chicago Bears amid sky-high expectations. That same year, six quarterbacks were selected in the first round, five of them within the top ten, creating one of the most hyped QB classes in recent memory.
Yet, Williams’ debut season was anything but smooth. He endured relentless pressure behind an inconsistent offensive line, finishing as the most-sacked quarterback in the league. His early struggles quickly fueled skepticism, with many questioning why he had been deemed worthy of the No. 1 overall pick.
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Meanwhile, some of his fellow rookies fared far better in their first NFL campaigns. Bo Nix and Jayden Daniels, for instance, adjusted more comfortably to the professional level, benefitting from more stable systems and rosters. Their early success stood in sharp contrast to the adversity faced by Williams in Chicago.
The 2024 QB class redeems itself in year two
Now, in their second NFL season, the quarterbacks from that much-discussed 2024 class are beginning to deliver on their promise. Collectively, they boast impressive numbers, hovering around a .500 winning percentage across their respective teams, an indicator of competitiveness and growth that has placed them in a unique category.
Even Minnesota Vikings signal-caller JJ McCarthy, who has missed two consecutive games, remains part of this narrative of resurgence. His absence hasn’t dimmed the class’s impact.
It’s a pretty (good) class, right?” Williams said, according to reporter Nicholas Moreano. “Six QBs going within the first round and first 12. So, it’s a pretty good draft class. Obviously, guys are playing well, just about all the guys, so I think it’s going to turn out like a good class. I’ll be competing versus these guys for a long time and I’m excited about it.
That confident statement reflects Williams’ growing comfort as the leader of Chicago’s offense and his recognition of the quality surrounding him in this new generation of quarterbacks.
For Williams, the 2025 campaign has represented a true rebirth. After the turbulence of his rookie year, he has found stability and guidance under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who joined the Bears after his successful tenure with the Detroit Lions.
Since Johnson’s arrival, Williams’ production has surged noticeably. His reads are sharper, his decision-making more deliberate, and his poise under pressure far improved. The Bears’ offense has gained rhythm, creativity, and confidence, traits that were sorely missing a year ago.
And Williams isn’t alone in this transformation. His classmates, Daniels with Washington, Nix in Denver, Drake Maye in New England, Michael Penix Jr. in Atlanta, and McCarthy in Minnesota, have all shown significant growth with their respective franchises.
Each has carved out a leadership role within his team, contributing to what increasingly appears to be one of the most successful and balanced quarterback classes in recent history.
Indeed, the 2024 group that entered the NFL with skepticism is now rewriting its narrative, proving that patience, development, and the right environment can turn early doubts into lasting success.